Football NSW celebrates 10th annual Football4all Gala Day

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The Nova Employment Football4all Gala Day celebrated its ten year anniversary at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday as over 400 participants took part on a wonderful day of football.

It was a festival like atmosphere with over 35 teams participating in small-sided games, off-field activities, celebrations and lunch put together by NOVA Employment.

The brisk morning saw the weather turn into nothing but blue skies and perfect conditions all round, for a day filled with festivities and joy.

The day also featured appearances from Kevin Connolly, State Member for Riverstone, the well loved Pararoos team and coaching staff also who enjoyed what was an amazing day.

There were also player appearance from Hyundai A-League Clubs the Western Sydney Wanderers with the Baccus brother Kearyn and Keanu along with Abraham Majok as well as Central Coast Mariners’ Jacob Melling and new recruit Jack Clisby. Local FC’s very own Chad Gibson also made an appearance with each guest playing a part in posing for photos and lending a hand in giving out medals and showbags to our participants.

Socceroos Mascot ‘Maloo’ also made a guest appearance and was a hit with each and every participant giving high fives all round as well as starring in a number of selfies.

Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge acknowledged the amazing feats Football4all has reached throughout its ten-year journey.

“It was amazing to see so many happy faces at our ten year anniversary for an event that has lived long in the memory for many involved since its introduction.

“The day itself has constantly been one of the showpiece events on the Football NSW calendar with the event growing yearly in both size and media coverage.

“This year we saw well over 30 club programs across NSW participate alongside Capital Football’s “Football Connect” on top of the 40 that have registered for the day.

“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 is a fantastic initiative which Football NSW will continue to grow and develop for years to come.”

A big thank you to NOVA Employment who had the barbeque running for several hours and raised over $900, which in conjunction with the gala day raffle tickets saw over $1200 being contributed to the Pararoos which will aid in their development.

Powerchair Football were also in attendance for the sixth successive year with over 40 players who showed off their talents on the day.

Football NSW wishes to thank all the clubs, associations, staff and volunteers 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 the 2018 NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day.