Wheelchair Football, a staple of Football Victoria’s All Abilities program is set to kick off on April 30 every Saturday in Keysborough.
Wheelchair Football is open to anyone aged 13 or over who uses a wheelchair. On-field assistance is allowed, so carers can also enjoy the game and get active. The competition will operate every Saturday between 11AM and 1PM, at Springer’s Leisure Centre in Keysborough.
Players and carers are welcome to join in on any round. The program is free of cost.
Some of the competing teams include Glen Eira, Whitehorse and Knox United, although to play, you can simply turn up and get placed into a team, where you will receive assistance preparing your wheelchair for game play. This includes the attachment of bumpers to some Wheelchairs.
Wheelchair Footballer Kate, encourages all eligible people to get involved.
“I’ve been playing wheelchair Soccer for 11 years now and it’s my favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning. When the season rolls around I can’t wait to catch up with everybody, it gives me freedom to play sport and forget about my dramas for a while," she said.
"I love the competitive aspect of the game. It’s also a great way to meet people and get out in the community. I heard about wheelchair Soccer through a mate and I’ve always wanted to play sport so I thought I’d give it a try. I like that no matter what team you’re on we all barrack for one another when someone kicks a goal. It doesn’t matter what ability you have, everyone is able to play and no one judges anybody. It’s just a whole heap of fun."
Fellow Wheelchair Footballer Jo also lauded the competition.
“I have been playing wheelchair football since 2013. I first learned about the sport from my regular taxi driver who told me that he was taking one of his clients to play wheelchair football every Saturday. He suggested I should come to watch to see if I might like it, which I did. I went the following weekend and even played that day. I have been playing ever since. I have loved every moment of it and never looked back. It is such fun. I have met lovely friends, and I look forward to going back every season. I think it’s the best thing I have done. I am looking forward to the start of the season and seeing all my friends." Jo added.
Football Victoria offers various forms of football for people with a disability and/or impairment, creating opportunities for all.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
2022 Wheelchair Football Participation Expression Of InterestIf you would like more information contact Daniel or Selin at:
Daniel Levy (Wheelchair Football Volunteer Coordinator) on 0422 148 288 or danielmlevy@icloud.com
Selin Arpaci (FV Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator) on 9474 1824 or selin.arpaci@footballvictoria.com.au
What’s on this weekend for All Abilities April
23 April | Barnestoneworth Participation Day
23 April | Special Olympics Australia State Games
23 April | Powerchair Football Championships, which you can attend in person to watch, or watch on our Facebook live stream.
To stay up to date with the latest All Abilities football events please check our Facebook groups for Metro Melbourne and Regional Victoria.