Football4all Gala Day kick’s goals in 2013
Over 250 participants from various special needs organisations across NSW engaged in the fifth annual Football4all Gala Day on Sunday 23rd of June at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.
A Football NSW initiative introduced in 2009, Football4all gives people with a disability or special needs an avenue to enjoy a wonderful day of football with family and friends, at no expense.
It was a carnival like atmosphere with Despicable 2 minions, jumping castles and face painting as competitors from various age groups took part in multiple small sided games.
NSW’s Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley was full of praise of the event.
“It’s a great initiative that Football NSW has shown and that was evident to the hundreds of smiles and happy faces that I’ve seen today participating in this fantastic event.”
Equally, FFA CEO David Gallop was overwhelmed in what was his first Football4all Gala Day experience.
“Football4all coincided with the FFA’s ‘Disability Month’ and having witnessed this for the first time, it’s certainly a wonderful spectacle and one that was enjoyed by many who were present on the day.”
Special guests also included the Member for Riverstone Kevin Connolly, Pararoos coach Paul Brown, FFA’s Illicit Drugs in Sport’s Danielle Brogan and Jerrad Tyson, Sydney FC players Ivan Necevski, Mitch Mallia, and Joel Chianese as well as Western Sydney Wanderers players Mateo Poljak, Tom Juric and Jerome Polenz all took their time to interact with Football4all participants and their families and friends.
The continual growth of Football4all promoted Football NSW’s commitment to special needs football. This commitment was reaffirmed by Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore.
“Football NSW is committed to supporting opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in football as players, coaches, referees or administrators and we are committed to developing an environment where accessibility and diversity are valued and nurtured.
“Football4all has now been running for five years and is going from strength to strength, I want to congratulate everyone who participated in the event and of course thank all the volunteers and staff who made this event possible.
“Football4all is a fantastic initiative which Football NSW will continue grow and develop for years to come.”
Powerchair Football also made its debut at this year’s event. It is was well received by the participants as its renowned as being one of the fastest growing sports for powered wheelchair users around the globe. With well over 30 participants from clubs such as the Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers and the Western Sydney Snipers taking part in the event, their talents were also noticed by the Australian Paralympic Committee who were present observing local talent in what was an amazing spectacle.
Football NSW was greatly assisted by our major partner NOVA Employment for the Gala Day celebrations.
NOVA Employment joined in on the Football4All festivities by assisting with recruiting volunteers on the day who put in a tremendous effort to make the day that more special.
Football NSW wishes to thank all the clubs, associations and staff who were involved in making the day such a success and would like to especially congratulate all the participants, coaches and family members for their inspirational support for Football4all.
-Football NSW Media Release
