Football4all Gala Day a success!!!

Over 220 participants from 15 clubs across NSW and Victoria partook in the third annual Football4all Gala Day on Sunday 19th of June at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.

Article written by Football NSW

Over 220 participants from 15 clubs across NSW and Victoria partook in the third annual Football4all Gala Day on Sunday 19th of June at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.

A Football NSW initiative introduced in 2009, Football4all gives people with a disability or special need an avenue to enjoy a wonderful day of football with family and friends, at no expense.

It was a carnival like atmosphere as competitors from various age groups took part in multiple competition free matches.

Teams such as Just for Kicks (Victoria), Special Olympics (Hills, Upper North Shore Indoor, Sydney South, Blue Mountains, Country NSW), ESFA White Knights (Eastern Suburbs), Freeman Socca Kids (Abbotsbury), WPH Cherrybrook, Blue Kangaroos Hazelbrook, Disability Trust - White Knights (Illawarra) and Nepean Dragons all participated in the 2011 Football4all Gala Day.

Special guests from the Central Coast Mariners; Trent Sainsbury, John Hutchinson, Michael McGlinchey, Mathew Ryan, Bernie Ibini-Isei and Graham Arnold, were on hand to sign autographs and interact with Football4all participants and their families and friends.

The event again attracted significant media presence with Fox Sports and SBS on site shooting the day-s proceedings.

The continual growth of the Football4all tournament solidifies Football NSW commitment to special needs football. This commitment was reaffirmed by Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore.

“Football NSW is committed to supporting the right of 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 three years now 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.”

Football NSW Risk Manager and State MPO Michelle Hanley was delighted with the day-s proceedings which brought much joy to the many involved.

“It brought a smile to my face to have seen so many happy participants take part.

“Football4all brought together a congregation of aspiring individuals which too share the passion for football as much as we do and I was overjoyed to have seen everyone appreciate the event.”

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.