Football NSW Celebrates 11th Annual NOVA Employment football4all Gala Day
A day of celebration at all levels of the game, as Football NSW celebrates its 11th annual football4all gala day at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, as over 450 participants took part on a wonderful day of football.
With smiles on faces and footballs in abundance, a total of 23 teams took to the pitch in small-sided games, as well as off-field activities in a day of inclusive football.
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 Karen Jones, acting Chief Executive of the Office of Sport, Councillor Julie Griffiths representing Michelle Rowland, Federal Member for Greenway as well as the Honorary David Elliot MP, Minister of Police and Emergency Services, Councillor Stephen Bail – Major for Blacktown & Edmond Atalla – Member for Mount Druitt who assisted in the day’s presentation.
There were also player appearances from Hyundai A-League Clubs the Western Sydney Wanderers with the Keanu Baccus, as well as Central Coast Mariners’ Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Abraham Majok 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 yet another marvellous football4all gala day.’
“The gala day has always proven to be a showpiece event on the Football NSW calendar, with the event growing yearly in both size and media coverage.
“This year we saw well over 20 club programs across NSW participate alongside Capital Football’s “Football Connect” on top of the pre-existing programs we already have established within the state.’
“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 in particular Martin Wren the CEO of NOVA Employment who had the barbeque running for several hours and raised over $1000, which is a new record for the barbeque, which will be donated to the Pararoos development centre.
While over on the Futsal court, Powerchair Football was also in full swing with over 20 players participating in the day’s games.
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 2019 NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day.
