New Paralympic 7-a-side Junior Football Program Kicks off in 2017
Football NSW is helping pave the way to the Pararoos national squad with a new Paralympic 7-a-side junior football program beginning on the 11th March 2017 at Valentine Sports Park.
After the success of the National Paralympic 7-a-side Football Championships held at Valentine Sports Park in October last year, Football NSW has recognised the need for a junior development pathway for children with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury (ABI) or stroke related impairments.
During the National Paralympic Championships, Football NSW held a ‘Finding the Next Pararoo’ come and try day for young footballers that was a key feature on the finals day. The likes of Kai Lammert Pararoos Head Coach, Mike Harkness Pararoos Goalkeeper Coach and Pararoos Ben Roche and Christian Tsangas all helped provide coaching expertise to over 30 young footballers on the day.
The new 7-a-side Paralympic Junior Football program aims to give junior players a pathway and opportunity to experience sessions targeted at progressing in the modified 7-a-side football that is coordinated under the FIFA rules. The program is run by the Football NSW Paralympic State Team head coaches and players. The program offers skills, drills and small-sided games for both boys and girls aged 8 to 18 years.
Football NSW Community Game Development Officer Demelza Howard is thrilled for the program to get started next month.
“With the Pararoos heading off to the International Federation for Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Championships in Argentina, this is the perfect opportunity for increase the opportunities for these players to see where football can take them”
“Following on from our Come and Try day last year at nationals we have already had a few talented young players be recognised by the head coaches of the Football NSW 7-a-side Paralympic State Team and they have been asked to train with the NSW squad at their next camp.”
The program will be on Saturday’s from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Valentine Sports Park on the following dates throughout the year:
· March 11
· May 6
· July 22
· November 25
If you would like to register for the 7-a-side Paralympic Junior Football Program, click on the link below:
https://form.jotform.co/FNSW_JotForm/paralympic-football-program
The junior program is a unique partnership between Football NSW 7-a-side Paralympic State team, Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association (CPSARA) and Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Football NSW would like to thank both CPSARA and Cerebral Palsy Alliance for their support for the program.
For further information about the program please contact Demelza Howard on (02) 8814 4465 or email demelzah@footballnsw.com.au
