Smiles all round at Cromer Park
Cromer Park was electric on Saturday morning as over 20 children were involved in the sixth week of the Manly United FC and Active Opportunities Disability AIA Vitality MiniRoos Kick Off football program for 4 – 12 year olds.
Players from across the North Shore of Sydney took part in the nationally affiliated introductory football skills clinic which aims to get young children active, social and enjoying being part of a football environment.
Set on the main field at Cromer and grandstand in the background, players took part in a series of stations to teach the fundamental skills of football, such as striking the ball and dribbling, along with playing fun games such as bulrush and football bowling.
The players were joined by local Manly United legends Dom Ferguson and club captain Brendan Cholakian who were on hand to take part in the sessions and providing a helping hand to the volunteers.
Both players were thrilled to be involved, commenting on the importance for Manly United FC to take responsibility in ensuring all children have access to football, a positive social environment and the ability to access the local football facilities that they have the privilege to utilise throughout the season. The two young players certainly made some new fans for the club ahead of the 2017 season.
Each week the program is supported by a group of local football passionate volunteers who give up their Saturday morning to assist Active Opportunities in providing a safe, engaging, organised and enjoyable football activities for children with a disability.
Active Opportunities are a local Northern Sydney charity who deliver sport programs for children with a disability, with the aim to provide all children with a disability the opportunity to be involved and have access to social sport, as well as football opportunities.
The hype was heightened yet again last weekend with a visit from The Hon. Brad Hazzard, MP local member for Wakehurst.
Mr Hazzard, MP was on hand to witness the program in full swing, along with handing out medallions to the children and providing extremely supportive and encouraging words to the players, volunteers, coaches and parents who make each Saturday morning the highlight of the week!
Demelza Howard, Football NSW Community Development Officer shared similar views to all involved, particularly impressed by the level of organisation and enjoyment had by all. Howard hopes to foster the relationship with Manly United FC to ensure their Football NSW Football4all program continues to grow and thrive.
Thank you to all the volunteers that have made the program possible. Marc Davies, Sean Green, Sare Reid-Anderson, Alison Ruee, John Tansley, Jas Virdee, Malcolm Olsen, David Trundle, Paul Sussanna, Catherine Tavernese, Brian O’Reilly and Ed Ferguson.
Active Opportunities will be hosting a second program in partnership with Manly United FC during Term 1, 2017.
For more information about Active Opportunities and the programs that they have on offer please visit their website – http://www.activeopportunities.org.au/
