With April having arrived, Football Victoria has announced the launch of All Abilities April for the fourth year running.

Launched in 2022, All Abilities April is a month-long initiative dedicated to highlighting the incredible work being done to support people with disabilities in football.

It also aims to raise awareness of the many ways people and clubs can get involved in all abilities programs across the state.

These football programs are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities or impairments, with modifications made to ensure they meet the diverse needs of participants.

Throughout April, Football Victoria will be sharing inspiring stories from clubs and participants across Victoria, as well as showcasing the elite pathway opportunities available.

These stories will demonstrate the positive impact that football and futsal have on players, emphasising their significance and the difference they make in participants' lives.

New Participants and Volunteers:
Clubs and programs across Victoria are welcoming new participants to come and try out football.

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore different programs and find one that is the best fit for you or your child.

If you’re new to all abilities football or futsal, Football Victoria encourages you to give it a try! Available programs include:

• All Abilities Football (Club programs for all types of disabilities)
• All Abilities League (A league for all types of disabilities)
• Wheelchair Football (For wheelchair and powerchair users)
• Victorian Paralympic Football State Team Program – Elite Pathway Program (For individuals with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, or stroke-related impairments)
• Powerchair Football (For powerchair users)
• Blind or Vision Impaired Football (For those with blindness or vision impairments)
• Athletes with Disability Futsal – Elite Pathway Program (For all disabilities, including Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Vision Impairment)
• Deaf Futsal (For players who are Deaf or hard of hearing)

Football Victoria encourages everyone to get involved and discover the benefits of these inclusive programs.

For more information on all-abilities football in Victoria and how you can get involved, you can visit the Football Victoria website.

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The Local Para Champions grants are currently open for athletes, coaches and officials aged 12-24 taking part in state, national or global championships for athletes with disabilities.

Launched by the Australian Sports Commision (ASC) to help offset the costs of travelling to competitions, successful applicants can receive $750-$1000 of funding. Funding will depend on each successful applicants' circumstances:

• The base grant will provide $750
• Those travelling 800km - 1999km will receive an extra $100
• Those travelling overseas or more than 2000km domestically will receive an extra $200
• Those who live in a regional electorate will receive an extra $50

Applications for the current round of grants will close April 30, 2025. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for Local Para Champions grants, applicants must be:

- Be turning 12-24 years old in the same calendar year as their championship.

- Be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency and living in Australia.

- Be a participant in an event or competition for disabled athletes that is:

• An official state or territory event supported by the relevant ASC recognised national sporting organisation (NSO) or national sporting organisation for people with disability (NSOD), or a School Sports Australia member; or
• An official national event supported by the relevant ASC recognised NSO, NSOD or School Sports Australia; or
• An international competition as a member of the Australian national team where only athletes with a disability can compete, representing either an ASC recognised NSO, NSOD, or School Sports Australia.

A participant may include anyone who is involved in an official capacity at an event, such as athletes, officials, coaches and depending on circumstances, guides and assistants.

- To be eligible for the grants, participants attending a state or territory event cannot live closer than 125km to their event's venue and must have a longer than 250km return journey. (Those attending a national or international event do not have to travel a minimum distance.)

- Participants cannot receive a Local Sporting Champions grant to attend the same event.

- Participants must incur out of pocket expenses greater than or equal to the grant they are eligible to recieve.

- Applications must be submitted before the current round of grants close April 30th, 2025. 

- Applicants can receive up to two grants in the same allocation year (3 June 2024 - 30 April 2025) for attending either:

• Two different international competitions; or
• One state or national competition and an international competition.

In addition to the eligibility requirements of the grant, applicants must also abide by the terms and conditions of the ASC.

For more information on the Local Para Champions grants, click HERE. To apply for the grants, click HERE.

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Queensland's sporting community will benefit from comprehensive state government grants, which will help kids join local clubs, support elite athletes, and upgrade facilities.

For children

• Access up to $200 in FairPlay vouchers per eligible child to assist with sport and recreation club membership costs.
• Support of up to $800 is available through Emerging Athlete Pathways for athletes and officials under 18 attending state, national and international competitions.

For clubs and organisations

• Become a registered organisation to accept FairPlay vouchers, allowing eligible children to use up to $200 towards membership, registration or participation fees.
• Register your organisation's competitions at state, national and international levels through Emerging Athlete Pathways to enable athlete and official funding eligibility.
• Apply for the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to create accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and recreation spaces.
• Not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations can access Active Clubs funding to support volunteers and deliver flexible, safe physical activities to boost participation.

Disaster recovery

• Eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations affected by significant weather events can apply for up to $5,000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program to restart operations.

Other Sports and Recreation funding sources

• Explore funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations through your local council.
• Contact your state sport and recreation organisation for information about activity-specific funding options.
• Access various funding programs for individuals and sporting organisations through Sport Australia.

Sporting clubs have always been vocal about the importance that government backing has in the upkeep of the sporting industry.

Though it will take time to see the full effect of these grants, this comprehensive list of grants shows that Queensland’s government is dedicated to supporting its sporting industry.

It’s a positive sign and hopefully, it will help increase the sporting output and relieve the financial stress for the people of Queensland. A strong sporting Queensland is a benefit for sport in the country as a whole.

Learn more here.

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Atletico Madrid has ambitious growth plans involving numerous infrastructure and technology projects designed to establish them as one of football's elite, but in a unique way that sets them apart from others.

An innovative initiative with a city-centric objective, the new Ciudad del Deporte (Sports City) aims to establish Madrid as a global hub for sports and sustainability. Currently under construction, this project will benefit the club and offer new facilities and green spaces that is accessible to everyone in Madrid.

Sports City will include two new municipal sports facilities for the city's residents. Besides the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano, a mini stadium with a capacity of 6,000 spectators will be constructed, and an athletics stadium will revive the Olympic spirit in a district that missed out on hosting the major sporting event in 2012.

The project will also feature an artificial wave beach designed for surfing and various sports activities within the leisure area, enhancing the recreational offerings for visitors and residents alike. Furthermore, a new hotel will be constructed just minutes away from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and the IFEMA Trade Fair Ground, offering convenient accommodation for travellers and event attendees.

This hotel will cater to both business and leisure visitors, providing modern amenities and easy access to key locations in Madrid. The comprehensive development aims to transform the area into a vibrant hub of sports, leisure, and hospitality, significantly boosting the city's appeal as a global destination.

Sustainability is a central focus of the project, with facilities meticulously designed to minimise energy consumption and reduce the environmental footprint. The club's sustainability sponsor, Civitas, is playing a leading role in this effort, ensuring that innovative and eco-friendly technologies are integrated into the development.

This includes the use of renewable energy sources, advanced energy-efficient systems, and sustainable building materials. By prioritising sustainability, the project aims to set a new standard for environmentally conscious sports and leisure complexes, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Civitas’ involvement underscores the commitment to creating a green and sustainable environment that benefits both the community and the planet. This approach not only enhances the project's long-term viability but also positions it as a model for future developments in the realm of sports infrastructure.

The new Sports City will span over one million square meters, incorporating 33% green areas that will be integrated into the Metropolitano Forest, this green belt will encircle the city of Madrid.

Significantly for the club, the area will house its first team training ground, relocating them from their current base in Majadahonda, which is 20km away. The new facility will include six training pitches, a gymnasium, and a medical centre.

To compete with Real Madrid in the same city and the major clubs across Europe, they needed to move to a new, larger stadium. This move was essential for growth on the pitch, increasing their fan base, and enhancing the club's image.

Director of Operations, Fernando Fariza spoke to FC Business about the project.

"The 2017 move was risky from a social and economic point of view as we had to invest a lot of money. However, we Invested €330m in the stadium, which included not only the construction but also buying the land and constructing access to the motorway. Now, 100% of that stadium investment has been amortised in the first five seasons,” he said.

"How? Half of the investment was recovered through the sale of the old stadium and the land it was on. The other half, with the additional revenues the stadium generates, we have paid off the costs.

"From a social point of view, the numbers here are now incredible. We're always sold out. We have the highest number of season ticket holders in our history-60,000, We have 5,000 VIP season ticket holders. With that situation, we are now ready to make the next step.

"Around the stadium, there is a lot of land that was part of the Madrid Olympic Games bid that we didn't win. When we moved into the stadium, we started talking to the Principality. It was a crazy idea, but finally we signed an agreement to build a sports and entertainment centre around the stadium. It's not just a Sports City for Atletico Madrid; it's more than football and will be something open to everyone in Madrid.

"We always need to compete with different things. We like to be different. We always try to be near our fans and produce a different atmosphere, to create joy and a great experience. The philosophy of the Sports City is also done in that way.”

The total investment for the facilities is expected to reach an additional $336 million. The majority of this will be financed by the club and funds from the CVC Boost LaLiga fund. For the remaining amount, the club is negotiating agreements with third-party operators and specialised companies to manage some of the businesses on the site, including a hotel, a college, and the inland surf area.

"This is the final project of the new Atletico Madrid," Fariza states. "If you go back over 20 years ago, we were playing in the second division, and it was a very difficult time from an economic point of view. It took ten years to recover. In 2010, we played in the Europa League final in Hamburg against Fulham, and we won. That was our first title in many years, and it closed out a very difficult period for us.

"The second phase has been the [Diego] Simone era, during which we have moved to the new stadium, we now play in the UEFA Champions League every season and we have won trophies as well as grown our fanbase.

"Now, this is the third phase of our growth. This is the new Atletico Madrid but keeping our values and identity. That is our biggest challenge. When you grow a lot with many fans, it's hard to stay close to them."

In addition to the Sports City development, Atletico is continuing to invest in the stadium. This year has seen the capacity increase by another 2,000 from 68,000 to over 70,000, while they have transformed some of the hospitality areas to better serve a wider variety of fan groups. The club is keen to make the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano a multi-purpose venue.

Despite many critics in the A-League fan bases and football supporters alike seemed confused as to how Western United playing in Tarneit can be beneficial, it is important to remember good things do take time such as the case of Athletico Madrid. A long term project that Western United has envisioned for its members and the local area will require investments as well as the dedication from individuals to attract supporters from other teams to visit, and most importantly the state government to improve the area as a whole.

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In an event that has been a long time coming, Transplant Australia Football Club will hold the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup in Cervia, Italy on September 8-14, 2024.

Due to COVID-19 being a major roadblock, the tournament has not been able to lift off – however with the dedication and perseverance of Transplant Australia and the World Transplant Games Federation, it is now going to be a reality.

It is headed by Transplant Australia, which is a charity that supports transplant recipients and their families, while also lending support to people on the waiting list, donor families, living donors, healthcare professionals and everyone associated with organ and tissue donation.

Transplant Australia FC is one example of the many sports and activities on offer that encourage physical activity for an increased chance of survival in transplant recipients.

As the Chairman of Transplant Australia FC, Ante Kelic has gone through his own experience and is now the perfect role model for others in a similar position, while also managing the operations ahead of September’s tournament.

In this interview with Soccerscene, Kelic discusses his involvement with Transplant Australia, an update on the World Cup, building a community and looking ahead over the coming months.

Tell us about your background and why you are involved?

Ante Kelic: I started playing in junior competitions for St Albans Dinamo out in Melbourne’s west.

I grew up with the game very much part of my life, however around the age of 18 years I started having a few health issues and was diagnosed with a liver condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

There was not too much trouble apart from the initial onset symptoms and flare ups such as a headache and swelling and for the most part I did not feel the full effect of it for another 3-4 years.

In the year 2000, I also got diagnosed with Crohn's disease which isn’t uncommon for people who suffer from PSC.

At that time, I broke  into the seniors for St Albans, but it all came to a halt when I required surgery for Crohn’s disease at the age of 20. From 80 kilograms being a fit and active player, my weight  dropped down to 54kg.

The recovery was slow and through all the medications and treatments, I was hoping to get back to playing Premier League senior football but the side effects such as weight gain as a result of  fluid retention  lead me to   player in the lower divisions.

At the age of 34 I was playing social soccer, however I was told during that time  I needed a transplant as cirrhosis was getting to a serious stage of liver failure.

It was in 2014 that I got put on the transplant list and needed to wait seven months before I was offered the lifesaving transplant. At the same time my wife was four months pregnant and thankfully my daughter Iva was born soon after without major hiccups.

How did you find out about Transplant Australia FC?

Ante Kelic: It was in 2018 that I found out about the team through the late Matty Hempstalk who established the team two years prior.

I was introduced to the team by participating in an exhibition match which was known as the Doujon Zammit Shield - this was in honour of Doujon who passed away, but his parents donated his organs to save multiple lives.

A few years later, Matt - along with the CEO of Transplant Australia - came up with the idea to create an inaugural World Cup for transplant recipients and I thought that I could give a helping hand as it was something that involved heaps of work to organise.

With Matt’s passing, coupled with the pandemic, it has taken us a bit of time to recover and get back on our feet but now it is something I will contribute towards.

You had an Expression of Interest period for participants, what are the numbers looking like?

Ante Kelic: We ran a large campaign for a couple months that saw around 50 applications from men and women all around Australia who want to join the club.

In addition, we are going to run a development camp in Sydney on March 16-17 to get people together and support each other based on their transplant journeys.

Our main purpose is to help people with ongoing health issues and encourage active participation.

The underlying reason why we are there is to create awareness and educate people on the life saving gift of organ donation and the donation sign up process.

On your role as Chairman, what are the main priorities?

Ante Kelic: There is no shortage of people who need support before and after transplant.

Peronsally I have had not only with liver transplant recipients, but also those undergoing cancer treatment and that shock of being unwell and going into hospital where your life changes from that point – that is where I am willing to offer support and advice drawn upon my health journey.

To have someone to talk to is super important and I have also reached out to people myself when there were instances I lost energy or motivation during the difficult times.

The wait time for transplants can be mentally challenging – I waited seven months but some other recipients in my support group had to wait for more than two years. If you throw in the fact that hospital call ups do not always guarantee a transplant due to an inadequate match occurring, it is not easy to comprehend – I know of someone that had received the news four times.

Unfortunately, you do not know how far you get through the waiting list in terms of pecking order, so this is a challenge that we offer support and advice for.

How is it juggling your responsibilities?

Ante Kelic: There are some challenges to fit it all in with a young family and running my own business, but we do have some staff at Transplant Australia who do an excellent job supporting the club.

Part of the reason that the development camp in Sydney is going ahead is down to the Transplant Australia team securing a grant to benefit recipients.

Particularly for us, one of the factors is the distance between team members, making it costly to hold events due to travel and accommodation costs.

There is representation Australia-wide, so we offer in some instances where possible to subsidise recipients for travel, accommodation and meals for them to be able to attend these camps and remain active

Even though recipients recover from transplants, they can still have ongoing issues with their health they need to manage which affects their work and earning capacity. As a club, and Translpant Australia, we want to build longevity and sustainability to support the recipients in every way we can.

A lot of recipients reach out stating they want to do something more regularly and having a club in local competitions would be a great milestone.

Our goal is to increase the participation numbers and generate awareness through the amazing stories shared about the life saving donations that people have received.

However, we cannot do that without government, community and corporate sponsorship support.

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Football Australia has recently announced that SBS will be broadcasting the 2023 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships.

SBS will deliver unrivalled coverage of the Championships with live and free access via SBS On Demand, providing greater visibility of the tournament and its athletes than ever before.

The tournament kicks off on November 4 and will end on the 11th, one week later. SBS will be broadcasting over 45 hours of football during that time period across both the Men's and Women's IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships, which is set to be played at the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Bundoora, Melbourne.

The free coverage of these championships is a fantastic way to engage people with physical disability from many households with varying interests in the sport, and to hopefully attract and inspire the people in this community to participate in the sport.

Football Australia’s Head of Inclusion, Sarah Walsh, explained how important it was to have increased coverage of the event via free to air TV.

“SBS has a long and proud relationship with Australian football, and we are delighted they will support the 2023 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships,” Walsh said in a Football Australia press release.

“At the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 we witnessed the transformative power of visibility and representation on the national level. Providing effortless access and increased opportunities to watch the CommBank Pararoos and the CommBank ParaMatildas, and show what is possible through football, could be lifechanging for an Australian living with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms of stroke.”

Pararoo captain and legend David Barber is excited at the opportunity to showcase the sport in front of a large TV audience.

“It’s incredibly humbling to know that this year, SBS will be helping to share our beautiful game with all of Australia,” he added via press release.

“This will bring fans not just of the green and gold, but the vast and rich diversity of our Asian Cup visitors as well, the chance to come together, and enjoy the pure competition that will light up Melbourne this year.”

SBS Director of Sport Ken Shipp also shared his thoughts on the broadcast agreement with Football Australia.

"SBS was established more than 40 years ago, and it is the only media organisation dedicated to inspiring a shared understanding and promoting the value of cultural diversity. One of the best ways in which SBS can bring Australians together in this way is through great sporting moments like the 2023 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships," Shipp explained via press release.

The CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas will feature in the opening day of match action on Saturday, November 4 as the men’s team faces Thailand (5.15pm AEDT) and the women’s team opens their campaign against Japan (3.00pm AEDT).

The finals will begin on Friday, November 10 with the women’s final followed by the men’s final on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The 2023 Women's World Cup showed the amazing influence that the Matildas had on the next generation of footballers in Australia and the Pararoos and ParaMatildas hope to make a similar impact in their respective communities.

The clear goal with the agreement is to expand the audience for this competition and try to increase participation among aspiring Australian footballers who suffer with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms of stroke.

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There are very few people in Australian football who have left their mark on so many facets of the game like Gary Cole.

From his early days in the Victorian Premier League as a professional footballer which led to a prolific goalscoring record in the National Soccer League (NSL) and significant success with the Socceroos, Cole has experienced it all.

Cole wasn’t the type who could hang up his boots and not play any further part in the game, so he pursued coaching positions in the Victorian State League, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the NSL.

He was also the first Director of Football at Melbourne Victory from 2005 to 2011 and occupied a similar role at Sydney FC in 2012.

Recently, Cole has completed an eight-month stint with Football Australia (F.A.) in trying to establish a National Academy.

Significantly, he has occupied an active role on the Board of Football Coaches Australia (FCA) for the last three years and was recently elected as President.

Although there have been periods he has been absent from the game, Gary Cole identifies strongly with the desire to see football in this country prosper.

In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Gary Cole discusses his recent work at the F.A., shares his opinion on the standard of playing and coaching, and the means by which football can be improved on and off of the park.

ROGER SLEEMAN

You were recently with the F.A. but your position was made redundant.

What did you achieve while you were there?

GARY COLE

My specific role was to initiate the setup of a National Academy, similar to the previous AIS.

I reconnected with people involved in coaching education at the FA and also met up with representatives of the member federations.

However, ultimately the FA decided not to invest in the Academy.

Whether it was a question of affordability or their lack of desire, I wasn’t privy to the reasons behind the decision.

Nevertheless, the FA Board should be asked to read a document compiled in 2021/2022 called; “The One Football Strategy”, which revealed a hunger for the Academy to be established with the FA and the member Federations working in unison.

Furthermore, with the appointment by FIFA of Arsene Wenger as Chief Football Officer who has stated every nation should have a National Academy or Centre of Excellence by 2026, it flies in the face of the decision to close the AIS in 2017 and the reluctance to invest in a National Academy now.

R.S.

What do you observe as other problems in the system?

G.C.

Player development and talent identification are key factors in producing a better quality of player.

Graham Arnold said before the last World Cup in his Gap Report that players from u/17- u/23 don’t get enough game time.

in his role as Chief Football Officer at the FA, Ernie Merrick has a big job to review and change the system because people involved in coaching at the moment are frustrated by the current pathways and lack of investment in the game.

R.S.

When you were at the FA, how did you rate the expertise of your colleagues and other employees  in the organisation?

G.C.

I had already worked with Will Hastie at Football Victoria and rubbed shoulders with seasoned campaigners Ian Crook and Gary Phillips - who I’ve both known for a long time.

However, they’re all busy people who are fully occupied in their coaching development and administrative roles.

Regarding other employees at the FA, it isn’t always the case that obtaining a university degree in sports management guarantees a contribution can be made to the game.

If football isn’t your first love and you don’t have a background in the game, it makes it much harder.

While I was there, I witnessed a high turnover of staff which indicated that maybe the wrong people were being employed.

R.S.

How can we get more former professional players involved in media, coaching, marketing and operations?

G.C.

Professional Footballers Australia are trying to encourage current players to think about remaining in the game and they are paying for their courses.

Some players want to get away from the game and follow a new career but for others, it’s a matter of examining their skill set which doesn’t happen enough.

One of the biggest problems is the current regime feels threatened by the presence of former players which is a big mistake.

Surely, the retention of more former players in life after football can only benefit the sport due to their total understanding of the product.

R.S.

We are producing very few tactically accomplished players in the game.

What is the solution?

G.C.

I was invited to the National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour last year by the FA and spent some time with former Socceroo striker, Josh Kennedy.

There were players on view with reasonable technical ability but there was a dearth of quality strikers.

Control and passing technique were excellent but they didn’t know where the ball should be going before and after the pass was made.

It shouldn’t be just about maintaining possession which the current coach education emphasises.

What about penetration behind defences to create goal scoring opportunities?

In relation to the quality of players in general, every coach I speak to decries the quality of players coming through the system.

When we replaced the AIS and State institute of Sports because the Dutch said not enough players were getting a chance, we set up academies in the A-League and NPL clubs.

The intention of the model was theoretically sound,  but as Wenger says the reason to establish national academies is so the best play with the best which provides the ultimate learning environment.

R.S.

You spent six years with Melbourne Victory from the start of the A-League and it was the boom club of the competition for many years.

What has happened?

G.C.

The club had lost its way to some extent when Geoff Lord was replaced as chairman and Ernie Merrick and I moved on.

However, when Ange Postecoglou became coach and was succeeded by Kevin Muscat, the performances on the park improved and AAMI Park was always full.

After they vacated their positions, recruiting wasn’t up to scratch and then Covid struck.

When Tony Popovic took over two seasons ago, the mood became positive leading to a Australia Cup win and just missing out on the Championship.

Unfortunately, the club finished last in the league last season and I believe the reluctance to start U/23’S from the Academy was a major reason for the poor performance.

In contrast, the Mariners - with the smallest budget in the league - gave their youngsters a chance and achieved wonders while Adelaide United provided opportunity for their youth players and also performed very well.

Notably, there has been a clearing out of the Football Department at Victory and Poppa has a new squad so hopefully the club will benefit on and off the field.

Unquestionably, the A-League needs a strong Melbourne Victory.

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Western Sydney Wanderers have announced a collaboration with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to create a football clinic specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum who live in Sydney's western suburbs.

This partnership allows the Wanderers to further connect with the Western Sydney community, something that they have been conscious of in the past, as well as specifically focusing on special needs children who need specific requirements in order to participate in these spaces.

The program, in its first year, has been designed for children aged 5-12 years and will run during the upcoming school holiday period.

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. They are a not-for-profit organisation that work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven.

More than 7,000 people in Western Sydney are officially diagnosed as Autistic and one of the key challenges faced by many families is accessing leisure and social activities that cater to their unique needs.

Tom Tutton, Executive Manager of Aspect Practice said the collaboration with a big professional Football club is a big step forward for the community.

“We applaud the team at Western Sydney Wanderers for initiating an inclusive program so that all children can participate in sporting endeavours, in an environment that works for them,” Mr Tutton stated in a Wanderers press release.

“Together, we have developed a soccer clinic that will foster self-confidence, skill development and importantly, provide a sense of community. The coaches are experienced in working with Autistic children and the environment and program has been assessed to ensure it will deliver an engaging experience for children on the autism spectrum, and their families.

“Sensory supports such as no whistle are in place along with a structured session and teaching approach and a visual timetable for increased predictability.”

Danny Egarchos, Community Manager at Western Sydney Wanderers, explained the importance of providing access to Football to all children in the community.

“As a local club, it is important that we ensure all members of our community – particularly our younger generation – can participate in soccer, and this means adapting programs to ensure inclusivity,” he added in the club press release.

“We are proud to work with Aspect’s Autism Friendly team and create a soccer clinic that is accessible for children on the autism spectrum. This means, children can take breaks during the clinic when required and there will be a visual story provided ahead of the clinic to help with preparation and knowing what to expect on the day. And most importantly, the focus will be on having fun.”

The Wanderers are using their large scale platform to involve a community that requires more leisure-based programs that caters to Autistic children. It is an extremely rewarding move for both parties and the benefits go directly towards the Western Sydney community, a focus that has been present from the Wanderers for a long time.

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Capital Football has welcomed Local Peoples to the football sphere as an Official Support Partner of the Powerchair and the All-Abilities Programs.

By providing features such as economic, social and environmental added to bring value to organisation, brands and places, Local Peoples is a well thought out design studio utilising human-centred design based in Melbourne, also recently launching an office in Canberra.

Under this partnership with the governing body of football in the state, the Local Peoples logo will be visible on the jersey sleeves of the Capital Football Powerchair teams, and also on the front of the jersey for the All-Abilities squad.

The services that are provided by the company include but are not limited to supporting the projects in the public sector, helping their clients solve problems, content publishing and future learning.

Capital Football CEO Ivan Slavich said via press release:

“We are excited to welcome Local Peoples to the Capital Football family as our new Official Support Partner for our award-winning inclusion programs, we are extremely proud of our inclusion programs which provide fun and inclusive opportunities for players of all different backgrounds and abilities. The support of Local Peoples as a partner in this space will enable us to continue to deliver these programs to a high standard.”

Founder and Chief Impact Designer of Local Peoples Giuseppe Demaio added via press release:

“Local Peoples is thrilled to be able to support Capital Football’s inclusion programs through our role as Official Support Partner, being able to assist the all-inclusive programs at Capital Football is a real pleasure and we are certain that the participants that take part in both the Powerchair and All-Abilities offerings will have a huge amount of fun.”

This year the programs include the Canberra United All-Abilities Academy, a remodelled All-Abilities League and Powerchair, furthermore, Capital Football will collaborate with schools and local football clubs to deliver all-inclusive initiatives within the community.

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Rotherham United is playing host to a Changing Place facility at their home venue of The AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Led by the club's Community Sports Trust and Rotherham Council, which secured around $92,000 AUD from the Government's Changing Places Fund, the facility is now able to provide a space with essential equipment. This includes a hoist, height-adjustable changing table, and a height-adjustable washbasin - for people living with learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other conditions.

This implementation, located in the family-friendly West stand behind turnstiles 5-8, ensures inclusivity for all supporters and helps to make AESSEAL New York Stadium a safe and welcoming environment for all at their home ground. This not only lends itself to matchday for Rotherham United, but for various events year-round.

Kerry Coleman, Chair of the Rotherham United Disabled Supporters Association, expressed her delight at being able to put fan feedback into action, telling www.themillers.co.uk:

"As disabled fans, we know sometimes going to games can have its challenges," she said.

"Having received feedback from some supporters about the need for a Changing Places facility that provided additional support to people's personal needs, we have been working hard alongside Rotherham United and RUCST to implement this.

"RUDSA have been working hard to raise money towards the new facilities, we have had donations from local people, fundraising from a committee member, organised raffles, and donations from a local charity plus much more.

"We are so pleased we are able to offer this facility to all those attending AEESEAL New York Stadium, be it on a match day or any other event."

Jamie Noble, Head of Community, also voiced his excitement about the new facility, adding via press release:

"As a football club, we pride ourselves on supporting the community, not only to live better and healthier lives, but to help make AESSEAL New York Stadium a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy their football," he said.

Following the award of just over $666,000 AUD in the first round of the Changing Places Fund, Rotherham Council is now 'looking forward to opening more of these facilities across Rotherham' in order to provide the space and privacy that members of the local community deserve.

Additional Changing Places facilities are planned at the following locations:

• Clifton Park Museum
• Gullivers Valley Theme Park and Resort
• Rother Valley Country Park
• Thrybergh Country Park
• Wentworth Woodhouse
• Magna Science Adventure Centre
• Grimm and Co.

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Australia’s Paralympic National Football Team, AKA the Pararoos, are Australia’s only male representative national football team for athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms acquired from stroke.

Alongside the recently launched ParaMatildas national team, the Pararoos compete in a modified 7-a-side format. Matches consist of two halves of 30 minutes each - there is no offside rule, throw-ins may be made with just one hand, and the field’s dimensions are reduced.

Currently, the Pararoos are ranked 10^th in the International Federation of CP Football’s (IFCPF’s) World Rankings and are due to take on a USA side ranked equal fourth at Manly’s Cromer Park on February 4, their first home international since 2019.

Speaking with Soccerscene ahead of a significant 2023 for the Pararoos, Head Coach Kai Lammert discussed how the team has progressed since his start in the role from 2015, what the next steps are for the side, and the legacy the team is looking to leave for future generations of the Pararoos.

What does your role with the Pararoos involve on a day-to-day basis?

Kai Lammert: We all currently have other jobs besides the Pararoos. It’s a big commitment for all staff and players, but we all have a true passion for the players and the program. Besides the tactical, technical, physical, and mental preparation of the team, I have sponsorship commitments and media commitments, planning, and lots of video analysis of our own and the opposition team as well as going through player injury and fitness reports. All of this is a huge team effort and I am lucky to have the best staff any Head Coach could wish for. The most important work is the player wellbeing though. All our staff work around the clock to make sure the players can perform at their best in the Pararoos shirt and in their private life.

Currently, we are preparing for the upcoming home games against the United States, so it’s a big job but again I couldn’t do it without a super team behind the Pararoos.

How has it been for you seeing the team evolve and grow since you became head coach in 2015?

Kai Lammert: It’s the most exciting thing for me as a coach to see the players progress on and off the field. What stands out is that it’s a professional setup, but most players have a full-time job to support themselves and their family. In order for us to break in the top four, the players need to be able to devote the full day to the Pararoos similar to the top teams in CP Football at the moment. We’ve been able to add things to the program without it being overwhelming, and there were already a lot of things in place when I started that we’ve just carefully built upon.

As I said, the players have jobs as well and their individual programs need to be catered for their needs. We have school students on our team who probably have a bit more time and players who are married with two or three kids and that time is a very precious thing.

The Pararoos recently raised $80,000 to support their program going forward. How has that financial support helped the team over the past year?

Kai Lammert: It had a great impact - it got us to Spain for the World Cup so that is a start, and then it got us prepared for that tournament because we don’t want to go to a tournament just to make up the numbers. We want to go to a tournament to progress and be better. Currently the top 6-8 nations have got a financial advantage on us, and we want to close the gap. Every dollar that is raised helps because it costs $30,000 to get the team together for a camp; that’s a lot of money. Some of my counterparts in Europe can do 4-6 camps with that sort of money because they don’t have to fly everyone in.

So predominantly that money goes to preparation and getting us there, and the more we raise the more we can do.

What facilities and infrastructure upgrades are needed to help take the Pararoos program to the next level?

Kai Lammert: I think a home of the Pararoos would be something significant. Obviously, that would need to be a top-standard, purpose-built place. Full-time players and full-time staff would allow us to devote more time to the game and improve the team overtime. We are very creative with our time and try to use every minute in and out of camp as effective as possible.

Play more games; we need to have more games. Obviously with a pandemic we had a long time without a game, and we’ve identified the need to play more international games, but everywhere we go we must fly. There’ve been some fantastic improvements, particularly now that the naming rights sponsorship has gone to Commonwealth Bank which is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time.

Our fundraising team led by Katrina Hicks is doing an awesome job and the support from the whole FA team has been fantastic.

It’s obviously a significant time for Australian football with the Socceroos and Pararoos having been to World Cups in 2022, and the Matildas set to co-host a World Cup this year. How are you feeling presently about where Australian football is at?

Kai Lammert: All this excitement around Australian football is great. That’s what we need, we need to have Australian football on the map. This is the buzz we need as we compete against the rugby’s and AFLs of the world in Australia. I heard the ticket sales are going crazy for the Women’s World Cup, so these are the sort of things we need. With that, our game (CP Football) will get more recognition and those who go to a game or tune in will appreciate the game because it’s an exciting game to watch. At the end of the day these guys are doing the same hours as the Socceroos and the Matildas, but they’re doing another job or Uni on top of it.

What are the next steps for the Pararoos?

Kai Lammert: For us we’ve got the home game against the USA in February, which is exciting because now the USA is still 5-6 goals away from us and we want to close that margin. That’s our main goal, to get closer to them. I felt over the years that we did get closer but it’s obviously we want to be really competing.

And then we will fine tune the way we play in two more camps. And then hopefully we’ve secured the Asian Cup in our country in November. That would be a great way to finish 2023.

What legacy do you hope to leave during your tenure with the Pararoos?

Kai Lammert: ‘Legacy’ is very important for us, that’s one of our core values of the team. We want to leave the place better than when we found it and want to make sure we keep raising our standards. That’s certainly one of mine, but when I say what legacy, I want to leave I have to say what legacy we want to leave, we are a team, and this team can achieve big things on and off the field and they can have a huge impact on generations of young boys and girls living with a disability. The program did and will continue to change lives.

Personally, I believe that every person with a disability should have the same opportunities as everyone else. We want to be named alongside the Matildas and Socceroos because the current and former Pararoos and ParaMatildas deserve exactly that.

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Macarthur FC has strengthened their relationship with Sony Foundation Australia by signing a one-year extension with its current charity partner.

Sony Foundation is the charitable sector of the Sony Group in Australia. It prides itself on striving to better the lives of Australia’s youth by raising funds and developing long-term solutions for these young Australians and their support network.

This continuing partnership between Macarthur FC and Sony Foundation Australia will see ongoing support to promote positive health and wellbeing lifestyles for young Australians in underfunded areas.

Macarthur FC captain Ulises Davila, alongside teammates Daniel Arzani and Lachie Rose, made their way to Sony Foundation’s Children’s Holiday Camp at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill on December 8, 2022, to announce the extension.

The Sony Foundation’s Children’s Holiday Camp Program, originating in 1998, saw the need of quality overnight respite care for families and carers of children living with additional needs. Combatting this issue, the Foundation provides an exhilarating four-day experience for young Australians at no cost to families. To this day, more than 7,500 Australian youths have participated in a Children’s Holiday Camp.

Confirming the partnership, Davila expressed his excitement in a statement:

“We are proud to be partner with Sony Foundation for another year and support these kids," he said.

“Community is at the centre of our club and it means a lot for us players to be part of the fantastic work of Sony Foundation.”

Mirroring enthusiasm toward the continuing partnership, Sony Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Ryan, expressed her gratitude via press release:

“To have a team like Macarthur FC wear jerseys in support of children with disability is incredibly powerful. These players are heroes for our young children, and ambassadors in our community for an inclusive society. We know the fans of Macarthur FC will bid generously to win a limited-edition jersey worn by their favourite Bulls players, and in turn, can feel part of a greater social impact knowing these funds will provide a holiday of a lifetime for a child with disability in their community,” she said.

The 2022/23 season is set to see a collaboration between the two partners come to fruition with a charity match to be held this year. Raising awareness of the Sony Children’s Holiday Camps, the charity match will include a limited-edition Macarthur FC jersey auction, with all proceeds aiding the expansion and continuation of the Sydney Sony Camp in 2023.

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Football South Australia and Bedford have renewed their partnership for an additional two years.

Having joined forces in 2019, Football SA and Bedford have worked closely over the previous years to produce an inclusive community where people of all abilities can experience and explore their love of football through different programs, tournaments, and events.

Football SA CEO Michael Carter acknowledged his excitement at the extension of the partnership in a statement:

“The Bedford Community League and Phoenix Cup continues to grow and is a key component of our inclusion offering. The partnership allows us to engage our clubs to provide participants with a clear link to the football community.”

The partnership aligns Football SA and Bedford’s shared vision of an environment where every person with disability is empowered to achieve their life goals.

Bedford is currently the largest employer for people with disability in South Australia, providing a holistic range of NDIS services for 1300 clients across 18 sites throughout the state.

Bedford Executive Manager People, Communications, Strategy & Quality, Tim Wilson, was extremely pleased to see the continuation of the partnership between the two organisations.

“Bedford exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose and ensuring that people with disabilities have sporting opportunities is at the heart of our purpose,” he added via press release.

We are proud to continue our support of the Bedford Community League so that people with a disability get to enjoy the ‘beautiful game’ of football. It is fantastic to have the Community league matches played at the wonderful facilities at ServiceFM Stadium the new home of Football SA.”

Bedford and Football SA acknowledged their excitement at continuing to build a solid and rewarding partnership over the next two years.

To learn more about how Bedford support people with disability, and how they might be able to help your business please click here.

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Sydney FC’s Foundation has officially debuted a first-of-its-kind Community Powerchair Football Program.

The initiative saw nine young children and adults with disabilities given the opportunity to experience the world of Powerchair Football for the very first time and were joined by Sydney FC A-Leagues stars Rhyan Grant, Elvis Kamsoba and Charlotte McLean for the two-day clinic at Valentine Sports Park, with Sydney FC’s Powerchair team attending on Day 2.

The Program has been funded by the generosity of the donors and sponsors of The Sydney FC Foundation Dinner and is expected to be carried forward each year.

Haley and Mitch McLean’s daughter, Ruby, took part in their first Powerchair clinic and were thrilled by the experience.

“The Sydney FC Foundation Powerchair Clinic did not disappoint,” Haley said via Sydney FC.

“I’ve got so many thoughts and emotions that are impossible to articulate adequately, she had an absolute ball.

“The whole thing was so well done from the location, the staff, the team, the session, and equipment but most importantly the people.”

Sydney FC Powerchair Head Coach Jason Ryan conducted the sessions which consisted of shooting, dribbling and game-play and was impressed with the players and the initiative.

“I had such a great time delivering this development program,” he said via Sydney FC.

“The excitement that the young people brought to the court was infectious and stayed with us until the very end.

“Watching everyone engage with the football and each other was so rewarding.

“I look forward to more clinics and the opportunity to introduce more people to the sport.”

The Sydney FC Foundation will continue to organise and host multiple Powerchair Football holiday clinics across 2022 and 2023.

Powerchair Football is a modified version of football (soccer) for wheelchair and powerchair users.

The sport is played on a basketball court between two teams of 4, including the goalkeeper.

More information can be found at the Australian Powerchair Football Association – https://www.apfa.org.au/

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Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC is teaming up with the Foundation Fighting Blindness to host blind and low vision fans at LAFC matches at Banc of California Stadium this season.

Leveraging the team’s partnership with audio technology Mixhalo, fans will have access to crystal-clear, real-time play-by-play in English, featuring the call of ESPN LA’s Dave Denholm and the Spanish audio featuring Armando Aguayo on 980 AM La Mera Mera.

All fans at Banc of California can now use their phone, headphones and the free mobile Mixhalo app to listen to Mixhalo’s high-quality live audio for an immersive experience while watching at the stadium.

As the first-ever MLS team to adopt the technology, LAFC announced its collaboration with Mixhalo in December 2020. With fans now returning to Banc of California Stadium at full capacity, Mixhalo audio will be available to all fans at every LAFC home game throughout the remainder of the 2022 season.

“LAFC matches are for everyone,” LAFC Co-President and CBO Larry Freedman told lafc.com.

“We are constantly focusing on improving our fan experience and making our games more accessible to all. We are proud to welcome fans from the Foundation Fighting Blindness community this season to experience LAFC matches in person through Mixhalo’s incredible technology.”

Guests from the Foundation Fighting Blindness community will attend select LAFC home games and have the opportunity to meet with Denholm and Aguayo before the game.

“We are honoured to be partnering with LAFC in making the games more accessible for our blind and low vision community,” Jason Menzo said to lafc.com, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

“We look forward to the technology rolling out into other stadiums, not only in the United States, but globally.

Mixhalo Head of Sports Doug Holtzman added:

“Mixhalo elevates the live sports experience for everyone, and we’re thrilled that vision impaired LAFC fans can enjoy a better experience at matches this season.”

“With live calls from Dave Denholm directly in your ear – it really doesn’t get much better than that.”

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Football Victoria's Wheelchair Football Volunteer Coordinator Daniel Levy admits that the onset of the pandemic was more than a challenge for all abilities football.

Across 2020 and 2021, the wheelchair competition barely played a handful of games. But that didn't deter Levy or FV, who he says are now more supportive than ever.

Both wheelchair and powerchair football competitions have gotten underway after a very successful All Abilities April. The month saw come and try days held across the country as well as initiatives like Football West's 'Football for all'.

More than anything though, the return of wheelchair football in the state meant the most to the players.

"Everyone was frustrated for the past two years, because a lot of our players had other activities cancelled," Levy told Soccerscene.

"They were just over the moon to be back and life getting back to normal. We had a good turnout and everyone was really rapt to be out.

"The first couple of weeks are always really tough because they’re not in the routine and some of them turned up late, but it’s all good.

"They have to rely on maxi taxis which often pick up more than one person at a time and drop people off on the way and things like that. Something always goes wrong at the last minute, but we’re pretty flexible."

While the return is a major positive for the competition and inclusive football as a whole, the next stage for the organisers is to continue to grow the competition to a point where it can sustain itself better.

Victoria's wheelchair football competition is run out of just one location in Keysborough currently, as there isn't a high enough participation level to justify more.

"It’s a long haul for a lot of our players. One is in Chum Creek, near Healesville, we’ve got some that are out near the airport," Levy explained.

"They have to come a long way, and that’s not cheap. If we were able to grow the competition, we could have a north and south competition so that people didn’t have so far to travel."

Initiatives like All Abilities April will give wheelchair football and other inclusive competitions the chance to continue that growth.

"The All Abilities Month is an additional opportunity to get the word out there," Levy continued.

"FV’s helping us with a marketing campaign, printing out posters that we can put up in leisure centres and things like that.

"It’s been a great initiative for us, and two of our players wrote their stories and that got published by FV as part of their social media campaign. We’re getting the word out there, but we certainly need to do more work to attract more players.”

For the players, who Levy says he's 'grown up with' after being involved with wheelchair football for 17 years, the process provides them with more opportunities as well.

“To be honest for most of the players, it’s not that much about the competition, it’s mostly social," he said.

"It's being able to get out and be with people, spending time with them and having fun. Are all of our players diehard sportspeople? No they’re not.

"They want to get out and have some exercise, but most of their enjoyment comes from the social interaction."

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Football Futures Foundation launched its Football for all initiative on Sunday morning at Yokine Reserve in Perth.

The Football West charity hosted the carnival as part of a celebration of Inclusive football, giving everyone a fair go.

Blind Football, WA Paras and the United Reds Football League were all showcased at the carnival, which kicked off at 9:30am and ran until 1:00pm.

Football Futures Programs Lead Melissa Gmeiner:

"Football for all is about building stronger and inclusive football communities," she said.

"We want to create opportunities for people with disabilities to have access to football.

"Anyone is welcome to attend the Football for all carnival and join in the fun. Hopefully it will give an indication of what is on offer for all people in the community."

The United Reds Football League Carnival gave an opportunity for children of all abilities to experience the fun of soccer and join a local club.

State Cerebral Palsy team, the WA Paras, took on 'some of the best' from Equal Footingball in a highly competitive match.

Football for all will soon launch its own website, which will have details of all of the Inclusive programs, including the 2022 Equal Footingball season.

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Football NSW has announced that Disability Employment Service and Registered NDIS Provider NOVA Employment, has renewed their long-standing partnership as the presenting sponsor of the annual Football4All Gala Day.

Established in 2008, Football4All is an initiative led by Football NSW aimed at providing people with a special need or disability an avenue to enjoy ‘The World Game’ with family and friends.

Run by Football NSW’s member Clubs and Associations, the Football4All programs provide inclusive playing opportunities in a safe and secure environment. All 44 programs from around NSW vary in their offerings depending on the players within, however all initiatives highlight the significance of inclusion, health promotion and skill development.

The partnership renewal sees NOVA Employment return as the naming partner for the NOVA Employment Football4All League and NOVA Employment AWD Futsal League in addition to the NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day for both 2021 and 2022.

Football NSW Chief Executive Officer Stuart Hodge was pleased to have secured an extension of the partnership with NOVA Employment.

“NOVA Employment first joined forces with Football NSW back in May 2012. The almost decade long partnership has been crucial in our ability to support and grow our inclusion programs in New South Wales," he said.

"We look forward to working with Martin and the NOVA Employment team over the coming years."

NOVA Employment CEO Martin Wren echoed Hodge’s sentiments.

“We really enjoy being part of Football NSW’s Football4All program and feel privileged to be on board again for 2021 and 2022," he said.

“NOVA Employment encourages participation in team sports and Football4All provides a safe, fun environment where lasting skills and friendships can be developed.”

NOVA Employment is a not-for-profit charity that aims to achieve the employment of people who have a disability in award wage work within the general community. They offer specialist job seeking assistance, post placement support and work exclusively with people who have a disability.

The NOVA Employment Football4All Gala Day will take place at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday June 27, 2021.

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Football Queensland (FQ) has renewed its partnership with the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program (BPFP), with Meakin Park named as the new home of the Queensland Para-Football team.

The BPFP was established initially as a way to encourage children of all abilities to take the opportunity to be a part of a club, a team and to train with experienced coaches. The program is conducted by volunteers who have professional experiences working with people with disabilities and it has now grown to see numerous participants taking part week in, week out.

The BPFP has a number of players in the current state and national Paralympic football teams, with more national representatives than most professional clubs across the globe. However, the program is not just about advanced athletes, it encourages fun and family participation in an effort to get young people with a disability to stay active and healthy and to perform to the best of their ability.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci acknowledged the significance of the partnership for both FQ and BPFP.

“This partnership achieves a key strategic objective to provide opportunities for Queenslanders to participate in football, regardless of age, ability or life stage,” he said.

“The BPFP will work with FQ to promote the development pathway of Para-Football and all abilities football within the Queensland football community.

“In addition, FQ will support a Queensland team to participate in the 2021 National Para-Football Championships in Sydney later this year. This will be the first time in five years that a Queensland team has competed at Nationals.

“FQ is committed to providing the same level of administrative and operational support to the Queensland Para-Football Team as it does to all other state youth teams each year.”

Founded in 2006 by director Jay Larkin, the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program has been Football Queensland’s endorsed Inclusive Football Provider for over a decade.

“We have had a partnership with FQ for many years, and I have no doubt that this renewed commitment will take the BPFP to the next level,” Larkin said.

“We are delighted that FQ will help us promote all abilities football through their media and marketing team as well as providing coaching and financial support to send our team to Nationals.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in all abilities football and after years of hard work in Brisbane we are determined to grow the game in partnership with FQ to new markets around the state.

“Football is Queensland’s game of choice, for all, for life, and we can’t wait to get started at FQ headquarters at Meakin Park.”

Those interested in seeking further information about Queensland’s Para-Football Program or All Abilities Football can contact FQ at allabilities@footballqueensland.com.au.

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Albert Park’s Synthetic Football Field will play host for Australian Blind Football’s ABF4ALL Coaching Certificate session, taking place between 10am & 1pm on Sunday, March 28.

The ABF4ALL Certificate is designed to assist coaches, volunteers and parents who are seeking knowledge about how to facilitate football opportunities for people who are blind or partially blind.

The intent of the session is to see that blind football coaches, parent and volunteers are empowered by providing them with indelible information and a deeper understanding of partially sighted futsal and blind football. The course places emphasis on creating a positive playing environment for people of all ages and levels of vision loss.

The workshop itself will be a 2-hour session which will then be followed by a ‘Come and Play’ practice session aimed to encourage attendees to practice coaching techniques with football participants of all levels of hearing loss and ages.

Supporting people with vision impairment is a testament to Football Victoria’s dedication to ensuring accessibility and encouraging participation for people of all abilities.

Football Victoria’s Executive Manager for Growth and Inclusion, Karen Pearce acknowledged how pivotal the course is in readying & developing the skillsets of coaches, volunteers and parents who actively contribute to vision impaired football.

“We want the Victorian football community to know that football can be modified to suit all abilities,” she said.

“Football is not a traditional 11-a-side game and we want to develop more volunteers and coaches to support players playing in a modified version of the sport. We want to continue nurturing an inclusive environment for all to play the game.”

2021’s Tokyo edition of the Olympics will feature blind football being played as a modified 5-a-side version of the game. Categorised as ‘B1 football’ at the tournament, the game features outfield players wearing eyeshades and a goalkeeper who may be sighted. A rattling ball is used to assist players and boards sit just outside the outline of the pitch.

Those who wish to register for the event can do so here.

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Registration is now open for students aged 5-18 with a sensory, physical or intellectual disability to participate in Sport NSW’s Activate Inclusion Sports Day.

Sport NSW, with the support of Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW, aims to promote the program as a way to encourage youths towards a continued involvement in sport and active recreation throughout their lives.

Event days are taking place throughout Sydney in the suburbs of Blacktown, Camden, Alexandria, Penrith and Cumberland. The event will also be running across the state of NSW in towns such as Dubbo, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga, Queanbeyan and Newcastle.

Registered participants will be provided with the opportunity to play a variety of modified mainstream sports in an inclusive and positive space as part of the event, with adaptive equipment available for use as well. Specialised coaching staff will help to run proceedings with the support of students from local community organisations and universities.

Sport NSW Disability Inclusion Manager Murray Elbourn paid tribute to the significance of the event in helping to develop the confidence of its participants in an encouraging and inclusive environment.

“Activity Inclusion Sports Day is really important because it’s a starting point. It's really the starting of the road for kids to be able to identify that they can play sport in the right environment, that its an encouraged thing and [to] give them skills like increased communication, teamwork and confidence in their everyday life,” he said.

Paralympic Goalballer, Tyan Taylor, attested to the positive implications of such an event in challenging and taking youths out of their comfort zone in a fun, inspiring and enthusiastic way.

“Providing opportunities with days like these Activate Inclusion Days really show not only the teachers, and the families of the students what they’re able to do, but the students themselves really challenge and get out of their comfort zone and gives things a go and really enjoy the day,” she said.

The Activate Inclusion Sports Day circuit begins this Friday, March 12 in Blacktown, Sydney. Registration for Camden’s version of the event close today, March 10. Registrations can be made through Sport NSW’s website.

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Football Victoria has joined the global football community in celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), as well as several updates from FV's All Abilities football programs.

IDPwD is held yearly on December 3, a United Nations day that's observed internationally. It helps to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with an impairment and recognise their contributions to society.

"We are proud to be an inclusive sport supporting people with an impairment to play football," Football Victoria said.

"Despite not being able to host our usual programs this year, we are more than determined to ensure our players with impairments will have the best football season in 2021 – aligning with the international theme for IDPwD 2020: “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

"We are excited to share some updates across our All Abilities football programs."

A new FV Blind Football Project Coordinator has been appointed, with Amir Abdi to commence from 2021. He will work closely with Football Victoria's Inclusion team related to programs for blind or partially sighted Victorians.

At Fitzroy City SC, the second session of their pilot Autism Football Program for children with the condition will take place, with costs of the program going towards the KS Foundation where it ensures kids with autism can play and watch football in a safe environment.

The Disability Sport and Recreation Online Festival will be an online platform this year to make sure anyone can still attend and participate. Football Victoria has given support to the festival that will run from Friday 11th December - Saturday 12th December 2020.

Football Victoria are also looking to launch their GO Sevens All Abilities Competitions on January 9th 2021, at Darebin International Sports Centre. It will involve a six week, 7-a-side social competition for people who have impairments (intellectual or physical) for ages 15 years and over.

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Capital Football have launched the first dedicated football academy for people with a disability in the ACT.

Aligned with the state’s W-League team, The Canberra United All Abilities Academy is open to players who have cerebral palsy, a brain injury or symptoms as a result of a stroke.

The academy will provide participants with opportunities to represent Capital Football at national tournaments, including the FFA National Futsal Championships.

Academy coach Kelly Stirton said: “AWD or all ability athletes don’t get the same options as other athletes so it was Capital Football’s goal to provide them with an option and to make their sport equal with everybody else’s.

“We want to make sure that each and every one of these footballers are supported 110 percent, regardless of their ability on and off the pitch.

“We want to give them an option so they can chase their dreams, whether that be playing football for the very first time or representing the Pararoos at the IFCPF World Cup.”

Capital Football CEO Phil Brown stated: “Capital Football has a united goal to create opportunities that enable everyone to participate in our great game.

“The academy is open to all; from experienced players like Jason Driscoll, who was part of the inaugural Pararoos squad in 1999, to some of our youngest footballers like 10-year-old Jayden Wallace-Bourne.

“We also have Tilda Mason who moved over from Perth to pursue her footballing career with the academy.”

Mr Brown believes the creation of the academy builds on the governing body’s work to make football more inclusive in the state.

“Last year, Kelly was the first female head coach of a team at the National CP Football Championships, leading a Capital Football team which had three female footballers, the first three to ever play in the tournament,” he said.

“While COVID-19 delayed our launch, it has been great to see our footballers join the academy and we hope to see the numbers grow over the coming years.”

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Football as therapy for kids with Autism by Sporting Network for Autistic People and Parents (SNAPP) was created by Allison & Kris Gately when they saw the need for this program as their son Bruin was diagnosed with Autism.

The Early intervention for autistic children is very intense and we knew that sports covered so much of the therapies we were doing all in one activity.  As well as the added benefit of social play with kids his age.  We tried Miniroos, and he was just not capable of following the coach’s directions. Autism can be incredibly isolating as a parent and it broke our heart to watch our boy struggle, and then have to explain our differences to other parents on the sidelines.  We just wanted a place for our son to be with kids like him… and a place that parents like us could feel at ease and in no need for explanation. - Allison

Neuro diversity and Autism cover the broadest range of abilities and challenges. These struggles can include but not limited to anxiety-based, sensory based, auditory processing, non-verbal, verbal and physical. Whilst most of the kids in SNAPP are enrolled in Mainstream Primary Schools, this does not mean they feel comfortable in a mainstream football program or even an All Abilities football program. With this in mind, Kris and Allison created SNAPP.

Sporting Network for Autistic People and Parents (SNAPP) was created by Allison & Kris Gately when they saw the need for this program as their son Bruin was diagnosed with Autism.

The Early intervention for autistic children is very intense and we knew that sports covered so much of the therapies we were doing all in one activity.  As well as the added benefit of social play with kids his age.  We tried Miniroos, and he was just not capable of following the coach’s directions. Autism can be incredibly isolating as a parent and it broke our heart to watch our boy struggle, and then have to explain our differences to other parents on the sidelines.  We just wanted a place for our son to be with kids like him… and a place that parents like us could feel at ease and in no need for explanation. - Allison

Neuro diversity and Autism cover the broadest range of abilities and challenges. These struggles can include but not limited to anxiety-based, sensory based, auditory processing, non-verbal, verbal and physical. Whilst most of the kids in SNAPP are enrolled in Mainstream Primary Schools, this does not mean they feel comfortable in a mainstream football program or even an All Abilities football program. With this in mind, Kris and Allison created SNAPP.

This year, SNAPP will launch their 3^rd program out in the west of Melbourne. The programs in Williamstown, Wyndham & Geelong are slightly different, catering to different needs. Once the football season ends, SNAPP continues with Cricket, Gymnastics and a swimming program with Life Saving Victoria.

Jason Charles, Executive Manager – Clubs & Community at Football Victoria, is pleased that “FV supports Kris and Allison with their SNAPP football programs and to see the positive impact they are having in their community through sport.”

For more information, please visit their website: www.snapp.org.au or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SNAPPSports

If you’re interested to join or want to help out, please contact Allison Gately on 0400 810 088 or allison@snapp.org.au

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On Monday, the AFC announced that its nominees for the 2019 AFC Dream Asia Awards were announced.

The Dream Asia Foundation was set up in 2017 as a way using football to bring people together, mainly those who are disadvantaged.

The AFC's vision is to make soccer more accessible to everyone and there are many nominees in many different categories. Which is great to see. Soccer is a great way of uniting people and it's fantastic to see the AFC finding success with this Foundation.

Monday's press release can be found below:

The power of football as a platform for social development continues to gain momentum with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Dream Asia Awards 2019 compiling a record 26 shortlist from Member Associations and many other organisations.

Leading the way in the Inspiring Member Associations category, which was introduced in 2018, are the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan Football Association, Football Association of Malaysia, Uzbekistan Football Association and the Chinese Football Association.

Bangladesh Football Federation, Hong Kong Football Association, Jordan Football Association, Myanmar Football Federation and the Football Association of Singapore have submitted their nominations for the Developing category.

Guam Football Association, Mongolian Football Federation and the Palestine Football Association complete the line-up in the Aspiring category.

The Non-Government Organisation (NGO) category is the most competitive with eight nominations received namely, Shanghai Adream Foundation and Shanghai Love and Grace Sports Club from China PR, Global Workers' Organisation from Chinese Taipei, Persepolis FC Fan Club from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan Inclusive FF, Dignity for Children from Malaysia as well as Childreach Nepal and Shelter Ashraya Nepal.

Volkswagen Group from China, Sun Ai Carpet from IR Iran and Qatar’s SHELL have been nominated in the Corporate category with Iranian international Alireza Beiranvand and veteran journalist Bhojraj Bhat from Nepal vying for the Individual category.

The winners for this year’s awards will be announced on October 30, 2019 at the annual AFC Social Responsibility Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Winning Member Associations will receive a prize of USD$15,000 to reinvest in social projects and the winners in the other categories will receive USD$10,000.

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It’s important that everyone has a fair go and equal opportunity to take part in sport.

There have been plenty of advancements for people to participate in soccer, even with disability. It shows that despite these personal circumstances, it’s possible for people to still fulfil their dream.

We look at the ways people with disability can still enjoy what the sport of soccer has to offer.

Blind and vision impaired soccer:

Blind (B1) competition is one of two formats of the game that is an international sport at the Paralympics.

In a team, four outfield players must have blindfolds over their eyes so there’s no advantage for those with a little bit of vision, while the goalkeeper can be fully or partially sighted so that they can call out when teammates approach the goal.

The ball is specially made to rattle and create noise so that players know where the ball is.

The other format is vision impaired/partially sighted (B2/B3) competition can be played by those with limited vision and futsal rules are used with minor adjustments.

In 2018, the City of Melbourne announced a $1.5 million redevelopment of North Melbourne Recreation Reserve that creates a facility to hold B1 international level competitions.

All Abilities League:

Inclusion is the sole focus of the All Abilities League, aiming to accept people into the game regardless of their age, gender or ability. It places an emphasis on having fun rather than being too results-driven.

Football Victoria has announced their All Abilities League competition will run for a third year in a row and is played during May-September.

Powerchair football:

This modified version of soccer accommodates for those using the electric wheelchair. It’s normally played on a typical basketball court with four players on each side (including the goalkeeper).

For people who require the electric wheelchair for daily mobility from conditions such as quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, hand trauma, stroke, spinal cord injury and other disabilities.

Every state in Australia has a local powerchair football program, making it highly accessable for people with different skills and experience.

7-a-side:

Part of the Paralympics for people with brain or other similar conditions – it’s been a recognised sport in Australia since 1998.

Games are similar to a normal 11-person match with walking and running involved, however this format reduces it to seven meaning the field dimensions are smaller.

Other key differences are no offsides and the ability to take throw-ins with just one hand.

7-a-side competition is suited for people with a neurological impairment, including hypertonia, spasticity, dystonia, rigidity, ataxia and athetosis.

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