VSP Catches Football4all Fever
Over 250 participants from various special needs organisations across NSW engaged in the seventh annual Nova Employment Football4all Gala Day on Sunday 15th of June at Valentine Sports Park.
It was a carnival like atmosphere in what was a fantastic day in Sydney with the likes of former Socceroos stars Mark Bosnich and Nick Carle as well as Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali making an appearance posing for snaps and handing out awards and medals.
The ever popular jumping castles as well as guest appearances by the NSW Police Force, NSW Fire Brigade and AIA Vitality MiniRoos activations were amongst other activities that were present on the day as competitors from various age groups took part in multiple small sided games.
The continual growth of the Nova Employment Football4all promoted Football NSW’s commitment to special needs football.
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore reiterated that statement and was full of praise of the event.
“It was great to have once again staged this wonderful event at our very own headquarters.
“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.
“Nova Employment Football4all has now been running for seven 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.
“Nova Employment Football4all is a fantastic initiative which Football NSW will continue grow and develop for years to come.”
St Michaels Knights Soccer Club, Illawarra Independent Program, Kellyville Soccer Club ‘Super Soccer’, Kings Langley Open Goals Special Needs Program, Macarthur Magic, Snapp A Roos, Nepean Soccer Dragons, Sutherland Titans FC, North West Women’s fc, West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC, Wagga Wagga Football4all and Manly United FC were all the clubs that took part in this fantastic event.
It was equally a memorable Nova Employment Football4all for Wagga Football4all and North West Sydney Women’s Football teams.
Wagga were the first ever regional program to participate in the Gala Day while the North West Sydney Women’s team is an all-female program along with vision impaired players who were using an audible ball in order to participate.
Powerchair Football also made its appearance for the third successive year.
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 Sydney FC taking part in the event, their talents were also noticed by the hundreds of interested spectators 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 event that more special.
Martin Wren, CEO of Nova Employment was delighted to have thrown his support behind this magnificent event.
“Nova Employment have been involved with Football4all for 4 years now and we get such a thrill from the Gala day.
“Seeing the enthusiasm and the smiling faces from not only the participants but the coaches, parents, carers and volunteers really hits home for us.
“It’s a day that brings together the community and allows everyone to share a common passion.”
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 NOVA Employment Football4all.
To view the 2015 Nova Employment Football4all images click here
– Football NSW Media Release
