Over 250 participants from various special needs organisations across NSW engaged in the sixth annual Football4all Gala Day on Sunday 25th of May at Bernie Mullane Sporting Complex, Kellyville with Ambassador and Australian Paralympian John Maclean captivating the audience.
It was a carnival like atmosphere in what was a fantastic day in Sydney with the new Socceroos mascot Maloo making an appearance posing for snaps and jumping castles amongst other activities all present on the day as competitors from various age groups took part in multiple small sided games.
The coveted Asian Cup was also present as hundreds lined up to take a snapshot with the wonderful trophy that will take centre stage in Australia next January.
Football4all Ambassador, Australian Paralympian and inspirational motivator John Maclean was full of praise of the event.
“It’s a great initiative that Football NSW has shown and that was evident to the hundreds of smiles and happy faces that I’ve seen today participating in this fantastic event.”
Special guests also included the Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Western Sydney Wanderers Chairman Lyall Gorman, rising Wanderers young gun Daniel Alessi, Sutherland Sharks keeper Nathan Denham, Marketing Manager NSW/ACT at Metcash Food & Grocery Angela Borelli, and former Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull to name a few took their time to interact with Football4all participants and their families and friends.
The continual growth of Football4all promoted Football NSW’s commitment to special needs football.
This commitment was reaffirmed by Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore.
“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.
“Football4all has now been running for seven years and is going from strength to strength, I want to congratulate everyone who participated in the event and of course thank all the volunteers and staff who made this event possible.
“Football4all is a fantastic initiative which Football NSW will continue grow and develop for years to come.”
The Illawarra Independent Program, Kellyville SC Super Soccer, Kings Langley Open Goals Special Needs Program, Macarthur Magic Special Needs FC, Sutherland Titans FC, Nepean Soccer Dragons, NSW Powerchair Football Association and Snapp A Roos were just some of the clubs that took part in this fantastic event.
Powerchair Football also made its appearance for the second successive year. It is was well received by the participants as its renowned as being one of the fastest growing sports for powered wheelchair users around the globe. With well over 30 participants from clubs such as the Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC taking part in the event, their talents were also noticed by the hundreds of interested spectators who were present observing local talent in what was an amazing spectacle.
Football NSW was greatly assisted by our major partner NOVA Employment for the Gala Day celebrations.
NOVA Employment joined in on the Football4All festivities by assisting with recruiting volunteers on the day, who, put in a tremendous effort to make the day that more special.
Martin Wren, CEO of Nova Employment was thrilled to have once again thrown his support behind this magnificent event.
“We are thrilled to have been part of such a wonderful program which brings to life the world game.
“It’s a day to be celebrated and we thoroughly enjoy coming here and joining in with all the happiness and fun.”
Football NSW wishes to thank all the clubs, associations and staff 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 Football4all