Football Victoria (FV) joins our global football community in celebrating the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).
IDPwD is a United Nations observed day, celebrated internationally on December 3 each year. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with an impairment and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
To celebrate IDPwd 2022, FV attended the Disability Sport and Recreation festival on December 2 at Crown Riverwalk in Southbank from 10am to 2pm; where participants could try a variety of different sports and speak with an FV representative about their options.
There are many forms of football that have been adapted to support different disabilities, and all are offered in Victoria, more information can be accessed here!
Blind and Vision-Impaired Football
Blind Football (B1) is an internationally recognised sport played at the Paralympics. It is played outdoors by blind and partially vision-impaired athletes on a 40m x 20m pitch with side kickboards and an audible ball.
Powerchair Football
The sport is strictly non-contact and has a speed limit of 10km/ph. It has two national competitions and is played internationally in over 30 countries.
Powerchair Football is currently played during Powerchair Sports Victoria (PSV). It is a very tactical sport that requires skill, teamwork and communication. Players use their electric wheelchairs to push and ‘spin-kick’ a 330mm Football.
Wheelchair Football
Wheelchair Football is a modified version of the beautiful game that allows anyone the opportunity to play in a friendly, supportive, and inclusive environment.
The program provides people with physical and multiple disabilities the opportunity to compete in a team sport and is open to anyone who uses a wheelchair – electric or manual, independently or assisted.
We are always looking for new players and volunteers and it’s a great opportunity for people with a disability to develop football skills, meet new people, and have a lot of fun!
All-Abilities League
The league consists of a competitive, semi-competitive and social league for ages 14 and over and a junior’s league for ages 6 to 14.
Depending on a player’s level of experience, the All Abilities League may be a player’s first step towards playing a football match, or alternatively might be used as additional training during any given winter season.
Cerebral Palsy 7-a-side Football
7-a-side football is played by footballers with Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injuries, and stroke-related impairments.
The sport has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1984 and since then it has grown rapidly on both the national and international stage.
The program is designed to develop football skills with added support for the development of personal skills such as resilience and self-reliance, two factors in becoming both an elite performer and valuable assets in life.
For more information, contact Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Selin Arpaci, at 9474 1824, or email Selin.Arpaci@footballvictoria.com.au about opportunities available for you or your club.