Football Victoria (FV) congratulates Frankton Pines FC on winning the division one grand final at the All-Abilities (AA) Celebration Day.
The celebration day saw parents, carers, family, and friends come together to have fun with face painting, giveaways, play games, lunchtime competitions, and grand finals.
The AA-League kicked off on April 30 with the social and Division 1 and 2 teams playing eight rounds, while the junior division played five matches.
On Saturday, August 23 Frankton Pines FC defeated the All-Abilities Soccer Academy to claim the division one premiership.
FV Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Selin Arpaci said the day “brought all of the league’s families, friends and carers together” to celebrate and wrap up the end of the All-Abilities League.
‘It is so important to have days like this where the All-Abilities Football community come together to celebrate the club’s, player’s, families, and carer’s efforts throughout the year,” she said.
“The focus is now on AWD (Athlete’s with Disability) Futsal for the rest of the year, leading up to the National Futsal Championships in January 2023.”
There were 130 participants across 12 teams and nine clubs who took part in the day with the semi-competitive and competitive divisions playing their semi-finals and grand finals.
DOC United head coach David O’Connor said all of his players and carers had a “fantastic time” at the AA-League Celebration Day.
“The whole day went so well, and the weather turned it on for us too,” he said.
“There was plenty of food and drink for everyone and of course the pennants and medals made each player burst with pride.
“It was a fitting end to a very enjoyable season and to have such an event to end the season is so vital as it gives all the clubs the opportunity to come together to celebrate each other’s achievements both on and off the field. “
Mr O’Connor said he appreciated how much time FV values the AA-League.
“It shows to us how important our All-Abilities League is taken by Football Victoria when the CEO Kimon Taliadoros came along to present the awards to the players,” he said.
“It’s not the first time either that he has come along to watch our games and believe me it did not go unnoticed.”
The participating teams were Northcote City FC, Collingwood City FC, DOC United, Frankston Pines FC, All Abilities Soccer Academy, Glen Eira FC, Victorian Para State Football Program, Mitchell Rangers SC, and Northern Falcons FC.
For any athletes with a disability wanting to play in the AWD Futsal league in November or try out for the Victorian representative team, please fill out the following form:
The AA-League is suited for ages 6 + with different divisions available to suit different abilities with wheelchair or frame users also welcome.
If anyone would like to play in the All-Abilities League in 2023 email selin.arpaci@footballvictoria.com.au.