Football NSW celebrates 2025 NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day
Football NSW celebrated its fifteenth annual NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday as over 250 participants took part in the ‘All Abilities’ football event.
Twelve clubs took to the pitch and participated in small-sided games as well as off-field activities in a day celebrating inclusive football in what were great conditions.
Off-field activations were a huge hit at Football NSW headquarters as face painting, jumping castle, Inflatable dart board, food trucks as well as the Fire Department truck and Police squad car.
The event also featured special guest appearances from Cr Julie Griffiths AM (Councillor Blacktown City Council), Kerry Spindler (NOVA Employment Operations Manager), Gilbert Lorquet (FNSW Chairman), John Tsatsimas (Football NSW CEO) Deborah Chapman (Football NSW Board of Directors), Ian Holmes (Football NSW Board of Directors) as well as the entire ParaMatildas squad and ParaRoos star Ben Sutton who were present on the day and assisted in various presentations.
It was fantastic to see the entire ParaMatildas present along with the 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup they won last year. Participants of the event had an opportunity to take a photo with the Cup the proud team won in what were beautiful scenes.
Coinciding with the ParaMatildas taking part in a three-day camp at Valentine Sports Park, the June camp also included a Come and Try Day on Saturday, 14 June from 11:00am–2:30pm, hosted by Football NSW as part of its Female Para Football Program. The event will be held at Valentine Sports Park and is open to participants who want to experience the game in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“It was great to celebrate 15 years of Football4all—a day that reminds us of the true spirit of the game,” said Football NSW’s Diversity, Inclusion and Club Development Coordinator Ellie Kerr.
“This Gala Day is more than football; it’s about inclusion, joy, and the power of our community.
“Seeing players of all abilities come together on the same field shows us what the beautiful game is really about.
“The impact this day has had on so many lives is immeasurable, and it continues to inspire us all to make football a game for everyone.”
Football NSW would like to thank all the clubs, associations, staff, volunteers, referees and carers 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 2025 NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day.
Thank you also to NOVA Employment, in particular Martin Wren the CEO of NOVA Employment, who had his amazing staff run the barbeque for several hours.
Clubs that participated:
- Active Opportunities – Cromer Park Manly (2 Teams)
- Balmain All Abilities (1 Team)
- Castle Hill United FC All Abilities (2 Teams)
- Kickaroos Hills Knights (2 Teams)
- Kellyville Kolts FC 1 (Team)
- Macarthur Magic Special Needs FC (6 Teams)
- The Flaming Marrickville Devils (1 Team)
- Nepean Dragons FC (3 Teams)
- NWSF Footall4all PINK (2 Teams)
- St Ives FC All Abilities (1 Team)
- West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC (1 Team)
- SNAPPARAROOS (2 Teams)
