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Sydney FC introduce first Community Powerchair Football Program
Sydney FC’s Foundation has officially debuted a first-of-its-kind Community Powerchair Football Program.
The initiative saw nine young children and adults with disabilities given the opportunity to experience the world of Powerchair Football for the very first time and were joined by Sydney FC A-Leagues stars Rhyan Grant, Elvis Kamsoba and Charlotte McLean for the two-day clinic at Valentine Sports Park, with Sydney FC’s Powerchair team attending on Day 2.
The Program has been funded by the generosity of the donors and sponsors of The Sydney FC Foundation Dinner and is expected to be carried forward each year.
Haley and Mitch McLean’s daughter, Ruby, took part in their first Powerchair clinic and were thrilled by the experience.
“The Sydney FC Foundation Powerchair Clinic did not disappoint,” Haley said via Sydney FC.
“I’ve got so many thoughts and emotions that are impossible to articulate adequately, she had an absolute ball.
“The whole thing was so well done from the location, the staff, the team, the session, and equipment but most importantly the people.”
Sydney FC Powerchair Head Coach Jason Ryan conducted the sessions which consisted of shooting, dribbling and game-play and was impressed with the players and the initiative.
“I had such a great time delivering this development program,” he said via Sydney FC.
“The excitement that the young people brought to the court was infectious and stayed with us until the very end.
“Watching everyone engage with the football and each other was so rewarding.
“I look forward to more clinics and the opportunity to introduce more people to the sport.”
The Sydney FC Foundation will continue to organise and host multiple Powerchair Football holiday clinics across 2022 and 2023.
Powerchair Football is a modified version of football (soccer) for wheelchair and powerchair users.
The sport is played on a basketball court between two teams of 4, including the goalkeeper.
More information can be found at the Australian Powerchair Football Association – https://www.apfa.org.au/
Despite its slow start to the season, many pundits believe this season’s Sydney F.C. squad is one of the strongest for many years.
Consequently, it has been difficult for striker Jaiden Kucharski to be selected on a regular basis. However, Jaiden Kucharski’s journey is one marked by moments of brilliance and potential.
For those who observed the power-laden goal he scored against Brisbane Roar in Round 3 and the disallowed volley he despatched against Wanderers two weeks ago, there is no doubt he has all the attributes of a goal-scoring maestro.
Additionally, his powerful right-footed drive from outside the penalty area last Sunday nearly found its mark for a ten-man Sydney F.C. to achieve a 2-2 draw, only to be denied by the agility of Central Coast Mariners custodian Dylan Peraic-Cullen.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
None of this comes as a surprise, as Jaiden Kucharski’s Sydney F.C. record includes twenty-nine goals in three seasons in the NPL Men’s competition.
So, what does the future hold for this talented twenty-two-year-old?
In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Jaiden Kucharski talks about his early exposure to football, his progression through the Sydney FC Academy to the senior squad, and his ambitions in the senior game.
ROGER SLEEMAN
Can you outline your early introduction to the game?
JAIDEN KUCHARSKI
After starting at Glenwood Redbacks as a five year old, I moved to the Football Development Academy and eventually progressed to the Sydney FC Academy at the age of fourteen via the NSW Institute.
R.S.
Who were the early influences in your career?
J.K.
I followed Messi and Ronaldo and also worshipped Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell.
Also, due to my Polish background, I admired Robert Lewandowski as a goalscorer.
R.S.
You are equally accomplished on both feet with ferocity on both sides.
When there are so many one sided players in the A-League, how have you managed to achieve this milestone?
J.K.
There was a coach called Cormack at the FDA who worked with me to improve my weaker left side when we went for periods without using the right foot in training.
At the weekends when I was eight or nine, I would train with the ten to fourteen year olds which also harnessed my two sided skills.
At the Sydney FC Academy, Kelly Cross has also nurtured my left side further and now I believe my shooting is better with my left side.
R.S.
You’ve been scoring goals for fun in NPL competition so what role do you see yourself playing?
J.K.
I’ve grown up playing as many positions as possible
However, I want to play up front as one of the two nines and being a target man to either drop to receive the ball and also playing in between and along the last line of defence.
I also want to be able to take the ball myself and score goals by taking opponents on.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
R.S.
The goal you scored against Brisbane Roar in Round 2 was one of the hardest shots ever seen in the A-League.
Could you explain how you did it?
J.K.
My best attribute is my striking contact with the ball, assisted by strong groins and when the cutback came I hit through the ball as hard as I could.
R.S.
Are you prepared to wait for that break to get more game time?
J.K.
I’m contracted with Sydney FC until June next year and I’ve made the most of my playing time so far, but in the end selection is up to the coach.
I could also leave during the transfer window in January if the club allowed me.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
R.S.
Have you had recent discussions with the coaching staff regarding your role in the squad?
J.K.
Not really as I just do everything in training to impress.
However, it was heartening to get a full game against F.C. Kaya and the goal I scored just inside the box to make a 3-0 scoreline, reinforced what I can do when I get space in front of goal.
R.S.
Would you leave Sydney F.C. when your contract expires, and if so where would you go to?
J.K.
I could go to Poland where I have citizenship but I also believe Germany would suit my style of football as an attacking player.
R.S.
It is a star studded squad at Sydney FC but you would be a certain starter at most other A-League clubs.
If the right offer came, would you move to another A-League club?
J.K.
Anything is possible, providing I’m getting game time and further developing as a footballer.
R.S.
Which of your team-mates do you really relate to?
J.K.
Adrian Segecic is an old team-mate who laid the ball off to me for the Brisbane Roar goal and three years ago I provided the pass which allowed him to score his first A- League goal against Macarthur Bulls.
Also, Anthony Caceres is a great foil and I’ve learned a lot from Joe Lolley and more recently Douglas Costa who is impeccable in his movement.
The new striker, Patryck Klimala, is a clinical striker and Leo Sena has that touch of genius which any young player can learn from.
Photo credit: Jaime Castaneda / Sydney FC
R.S.
What is your opinion of the A-League?
J.K.
Foreigners I’ve met say they didn’t expect the A-League to be so strong.
It’s a great step up from NPL to APL as the pace and pressure is so much more demanding.
R.S.
Where do see yourself in three years time?
J.K.
Playing overseas as a regular starter, ideally in a First Division setup.
Sydney FC has confirmed an exciting agreement covering the next two Isuzu-UTE A-League seasons with global Big Tech titan Sony Australian.
This partnership will see Sony Australia enhance the matchday experience for Sydney FC fans, E-League social media content, and support community initiatives.
This will directly benefit fans at the game and beyond in Sydney communities through grassroots initiatives. Sony Australia will be involved in school holiday clinics, which is an exciting opportunity for the club and Sony Australia to work together and increase the development of football for the upcoming generation.
Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey voiced eagerness and excitement at the partnership.
“Sony is a globally recognised and trusted brand, and this partnership allows us to leverage their expertise in audio technology to enhance our matchday experience for fans,” he said in a press release.
“We are particularly excited about the opportunities to collaborate on community initiatives such as our school holiday clinics, as well as the activation potential around our corporate and matchday offerings.”
Sony Australia will have an excellent opportunity to connect with football fans through LED advertising at Allianz Stadium, pre-match commercials, big-screen advertising throughout Sydney FC home games, a significant social media presence within the E-League and host gaming competitions in corporate select areas of Allianz Stadium.
Head of Brand and CX at Sony ANZ David Serafin spoke on the excitement of the opportunity for both organisations.
“Partnering with Sydney FC is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with passionate football fans and demonstrate our commitment to providing the best audio and entertainment experiences,” he said in a press release.
“We look forward to creating exciting matchday activations and engaging with the local community through initiatives like the school holiday clinics.
“We believe this partnership will allow us to showcase our products in an innovative way while supporting the growth of football in Australia.”
This collaboration is an all-around collaboration that incorporates commercial opportunities with community engagement. It capitalises on Sony Australia’s technology prowess while growing Sydney FC’s corporate partner portfolio.