What began as a simple birthday wish has grown into one of the most heartwarming initiatives in community football.
In 2024, Whittlesea United launched its All Abilities program, a project inspired not by design, but by an eight-year-old boy who decided he didn’t want presents for his birthday, rather just to be included.
“My son is an only child, and he said he didn’t want any more presents because he had everything,” Selma recalled.
“He said he wanted to give kids with autism an opportunity to be part of a team, even just for one day.”
When she asked him what he had in mind, his answer was simple, football.
“I thought, what a great idea.”
Find out more about Football Victoria's All Abilities Programs
Selma contacted Whittlesea United and organised a birthday fundraiser for children with disabilities. Her son and his friends many of whom are autistic came together for what would be the first time they truly felt part of something bigger.
“Whittlesea was kind enough to give the kids new kits. They got the chance to play alongside the mainstream teams and they were ecstatic. It was the first time they had the opportunity to say, ‘We are part of something’,” she said.
A social media post from the day quickly gained traction, eventually leading to a call from Football Victoria inviting the group to take part in an All Abilities Gala Day.
“It was so random,” Selma said.
“It was just my son’s birthday wish to be part of a team and not have to worry about not being chosen. Everybody was wanted.”
From that moment, the program began to take shape.
Now entering its third year, Whittlesea United’s All Abilities team caters for juniors aged six to thirteen, training twice a week and continuing to grow.
“I coordinate the team, so I’m pretty much the backbone,” Selma explained. “I liaise with the parents, I liaise with the children. The kids are really excited and really motivated.”
The program celebrates cultural days together, runs a social club where players practice communication skills and share meals, and places a strong emphasis on family involvement.
“We have a strong focus on family first. Our children develop beautiful habits with their parents and build respectful relationships,” Selma said.
“It has made such a difference for a lot of the parents. Children with disabilities are often overlooked. They know it and they feel it. When they come to training, they are empowered, respected and loved.”
Selma has seen first-hand the transformation in many of the players.
“Some of the kids were a bit unsure at the start, but now they’ve learnt new skills and really come out of their shell. They’ve found each other. They’ve found a real sense of community.”
That sense of belonging, she believes, is what makes Whittlesea United special.
“The All Abilities team is so respected. The senior players come to our games and shake the hands of all our players. The kids think they’re celebrities, it’s so much fun. Everybody goes out of their way to talk to them. Everybody has a place.”
The club lives by a simple motto: There is an ability in every disability.
“If it hadn’t been for my son, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Selma reflected.
“It’s a lot of hard work, it’s not easy, but we’ve got a really good set-up and it’s important we all learn from each other.”
She hopes more clubs will step into the space and start their own programs.
“If other clubs want to set up their own All Abilities programs, feel free to come and see what we do. And if there are kids in the community who feel like they might fit into our group, we’re happy to take on everybody.”
For Selma, success isn’t measured in results or trophies, but in the growth she witnesses every week.
“To see how far these kids have come is life-changing,” she said. “They are the most inspirational children. They’ve all experienced hardship along the way, but here they are empowered.”
“We’re not just a community. We’re a really big family.”
Registrations are now open for the 2026 season, with training beginning Thursday April 3 at 6pm at Mosaic Reserve in Lalor.