03 Jul 2009

Students with an intellectual disability at Canberra’s Black Mountain School have been treated to special football sessions and uniforms delivered by Capital Football.

Capital Football, ACT member of Football Federation Australia, presented new football (soccer) uniforms to students from Black Mountain School, who have moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, on 2 July.

Capital Football also recently held small sided football sessions at Black Mountain School, which were a great success — the children’s engagement and involvement in the games well exceeding expectations.

‘Building an ongoing relationship with Capital Football will have a great impact on the students’ lives,’  said Black Mountain School principal Frank Fogliati.

‘With regular sessions in the weekly schedule the children will anticipate Capital Football’s visits and look forward to it.’

Following the football sessions, Capital Football made a special presentation of 11 new uniforms to the school, including football tops, shorts and socks, donated by Football Federation Australia.

‘It was obvious to everyone that the children were excited about putting on the new gear and getting out there playing football,’ Daniel Murphy from Capital Football said.

‘We will certainly be able to make some regular opportunities for the students at Black Mountain School.’

The Football Federation Australia uses its state development officers — in conjunction with member organisations like Capital Football — to deliver inclusive programs to schools and local clubs as part of its commitment to ensure people with disability have the opportunity to become involved in and play football.

Football Federation Australia has been part of the Australian Sports Commission’s Sports CONNECT network since 2007. Sports CONNECT is a national framework that works to increase pathways for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activities.

The Australian Sports Commission coordinates a network of agencies around the country that are working to connect sporting organisations with disability service organisations, to build sustainable and inclusive communities.