Football Victoria is delighted to announce the 12 athletes who will represent the state at the 2023 National Para Football Championships at the Western Australia State Football Centre from October 3-8.
The team consists of players with Cerebral Palsy, brain-acquired injuries, and stroke-related symptoms, with the matches modified to play 7-a-side and 30-minute halves with players classified into three categories depending on their ability.
Head Coach Andrew Rofo said the team was "excited" to head to Perth and compete against the other states.
"We’ve seen the national tournament become technically and tactically better every year that we’ve been a part of it and expect this year’s tournament to continue that trend," he said.
"The team has put in a huge amount of effort leading up to this year’s national tournament and we’re looking forward to showcasing the culmination of this year’s work, with an aim of going one better than we have before.”
The players selected have been training consistently, each bringing their skills and strengths to the team:
- Christian Tsangas
- An Tong
- Sabian Panozzo
- Michael Prapas
- Adam Torey
- Viv Wright
- Angus MacGregor
- Kaylan Van Heer
- Joshua Beekes
- Christian Bitsikas
- Oran Jones
- Jackson Scott
Head Coach: Andrew Rofo
Assistant coach: Seb Zancan
Team manager: Sharon Wong
Team Physio: Rick Whitehead
The upcoming National Championships will be the final chance for the chosen athletes to impress ahead of the 2023 Men's and Women's IFCPF Para Asian Cup - taking place at The Home of the Matildas from October 31-November 12.
In 2022, Victoria finished second in the men's category after facing New South Wales in the Grand Final, with the final score 7-3.
Follow the team's journey through the Victorian Paralympic Football Program Facebook Page!