7-a-side football
7-a-side football is played by footballers with Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injuries and those with stroke related impairments. This football format is coordinated under the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA) rules with slight modifications. Each team consists of seven players, including the goalkeeper. The field size is reduced to 75m x 55m, played with smaller goal posts, with each match consisting of two 30 minute halves. When competing at a national or international level athletes are classified according to their physical impairments.The team is then made up of players with a range of classifications. Further information on classification can be found here: 7-a-side Football Classification.
The sport has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1984. Since then, 7-a-side Football has grown rapidly on both the national and international stage. With eight countries set to participate in the Rio Paralympic Games in September later this year, the sport is increasing in both size and popularity worldwide.
Although the sport is still in its infancy in Victoria the opportunities to play recreationally and competitively are growing, with pathways to both National and International championships. See below for a wrap up of the 2016 National Championships which were held in Sydney this year.
There are also a number of opportunities for beginners to get involved. See below for more information.
Please contact the Sharon Wong, Project Development Coordinator - Diversity & Inclusion on swong@ffv.org.au or 9474 1805 if you have any questions.
Victorian 7-a-side State Team
As a footballer with cerebral palsy, an acquired brain injury or having suffered a stroke, you may be eligible to play for Victoria in 7-a-side Football and have the chance to qualify for National representation. The details for this year's State Team Program have been finalised, and are available below. We welcome boys and girls from the age of 13 to trial for the State Team program. More information is below.
State Team Program
When: every Saturday fortnight starting 7th April 2018
Where: Knox Regional Football Centre - 257 George Street, Wantirna South 3152
Program Inclusions: fortnightly training, training kit, fixtured practice matches with referees and a new National Championships uniform for selected squad members.
More information: Sharon Wong, Project Development Coordinator - Diversity & Inclusion on swong@ffv.org.au or 9474 1805
2016 National Paralympic 7-a-side Football Championships
After securing the Bronze medal at last year’s 7-a-side National Championships, the Victorian team is hoping this year will be the year they bring home Gold. Hosted by Football NSW, this year’s event and team details are outlined below.
Date: 27 October - 30 October, 2016
Location: Valentine Sports Park, 235-257 Meurants Lane Glenwood
Captain: Ben Roche
Vice Captains: Joseph Accetta and Matthew Holland
Team: Christian Tsangas, Ben Roche, Josh Barry, Joseph Accetta, Nelson Gray, Brad Fisher, Cosimo Cirillo, Matthew Holland, Oran Jones, Joshua Beekes, Adam Torey-Toth and Hayden Bognar
Coaches: Seb Zancan and Andrew Rofo
Tournament Wrap Up: click here for more information
Preview Article: click here for more information
Pararoos compete with pride in Denmark
The International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) Intercontinental Cup Qualification Tournament was held in Denmark in July this year. The 12 day tournament was an exciting competition with 16 teams attending from across the globe, all pushing for a spot in the World Championships in Argentina next year.
Football Federation Victoria would like to congratulate the following players on representing Victoria as part of this team: Ben Roche, Christian Tsangas and Cosimo Cirillo. A special congratulations to Christian and Cosimo for making their international debut for Australia at this tournament, and we wish the Australian Team the very best for the 2017 World Championships in Argentina.
7-a-side Football Programs
Northcote City Football Club
Northcote City Football Club offer a 7-a-side football development program that caters for beginners as well as seasoned football players. This program is currently the only 7-a-side football program in Victoria.
When: Sundays (usually fortnightly) from 10:00am – 11:30am.
Where: John Cain Memorial Park, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury.
Contact: George Prapas, 0418 444 464, dsr@northcotecity.com.au
Website: http://northcotecity.com.au/programs/dsr/
Point Cook Soccer Club
Boys and girls aged between 6-15 years of age are invited to join a brand new 7-a-side football program at Point Cook Soccer Club, commencing in March 2017. Both experienced footballers and those new to football are welcome to come and give the program a go. Based on the Paralympic sport of 7-a-side Football, the program is specifically for children and teenagers with cerebral palsy, an acquired brain injury or living with symptoms resulting from a stroke.
Point Cook - All Abilities Program Flyer
Where: Point Cook Soccer Club - Saltwater Reserve, Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook
When: from March 2017
Enquiries: Chris Van Heer, 0418 581 091 or email chrisvanheer@roadteam.com.au