Melbourne Victory have partnered with Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to host the second edition of the All Abilities Gala on Saturday April 20 to shine a spotlight upon the importance of inclusivity within football.
The inaugural event in 2023 occurred as the curtain raiser to Melbourne Victory’s ANZAC round fixture against Macarthur FC. The event held at Gosch’s paddock consisted of training clinics and engaging activities, concluding with a 5v5 round robin all abilities tournament.
This year, the event has increased in capacity. Two sessions for different age ranges will commence. From 3:15pm to 3:45pm, children aged between 4 to 12 will have their session, with the older contingent aged from 13 to 18 to participate in their session from 4:00pm to 4:30pm.
Upon declaring their involvement for the event, all participants are offered a free ticket to attend the round 25 A-League Men’s fixture, where Victory will host Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park. TAC have been one of Victory’s key sponsors since their inception in 2005 with the partnership nearing its 20th anniversary that is scheduled for next year.
Inclusivity within society has become a point of focus for sporting codes across the globe – none more so than football. Members of society who face the difficulties of having special needs should have an engaging outlet. This allows for those to have a joyful and fulfilling, outdoor experience.
Amongst other codes of football, the globally renowned variation tends to be far simpler and palatable, especially in terms of building skills and understanding general rules. Therefore, parents and guardians of those who have a disability may lean towards electing soccer as the sport that their kids can participate in, aware of the unique subtlety and non-aggressiveness that surrounds it when in comparison to the likes of Australian Rules football or rugby.
The community event hosted by Victory simultaneously contributes to the community across Melbourne, while also increasing participation and appreciation for the sport of football within a state where it remains down in the pecking order of preferred sports.
