Sydney FC introduce first Community Powerchair Football Program

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Sydney FC
Image provided by Sydney FC

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/

 

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Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC partner in free All Abilities Football program

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Image Credit: South Melbourne FC

Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC are teaming up to make football more inclusive for children across the community. South Melbourne’s free All Abilities Football Program, launched in 2018, will now be launched at Middle Park FC, giving neurodivergent and disabled children more opportunities to play football in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.

The program will run on Saturdays from 17 October to 7 November 2026 at Alan Davidson Field in Albert Park, with sessions taking place from 10-11am. The initiative aims to help more children experience the benefits of community football, while ideally creating a pathway towards ongoing participation in the sport.

Football for every ability

The All Abilities Football Program welcomes children of all abilities, whether new to football or those who already love the game. Coaches from Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC will deliver the sessions, helping participants develop football skills, build confidence and enjoy playing with others. The program places inclusion at its heart, aiming to create an environment where every child can participate, learn at their own pace and feel part of a team. This includes both blind and powerchair football, both of which South Melbourne has championed.

There is no participation fee to attend the sessions, giving families an opportunity to introduce their children to the sport without the financial commitment often associated with organised sport.

Building confidence and community connections

Sport can help children develop important social skills, form friendships and build confidence. A welcoming football environment can also give children opportunities to work with others, practice communication and celebrate achievement. For neurodivergent and disabled children, inclusive sporting opportunities can help create a stronger sense of belonging. They can take part in a team environment that recognises different abilities and encourages participation.

Families can also benefit from connecting with local clubs and other community members. These relationships can help build support networks and encourage more families to become involved in grassroots sport. The partnership between Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC highlights how community clubs can work together to reduce barriers and create more inclusive opportunities.

Details

The free All Abilities Football Program will run across four Saturday sessions.

Dates: 17th October, 24th October, 31st October and 7th November 2026.

Time: 10-11am

Location: Alan Davidson Field, Fields 18 and 19, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, Victoria 3206

How to register

Families can register their children through the online registration form shared by Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC. The clubs have provided a Google Forms registration link in their original announcement. Families should use the form linked through the clubs’ official social media posts to access the full registration details. The link can also be found here.

The clubs also encourage families to share the opportunity with schools, support organisations and community groups that may know children who would benefit.

Creating a More Inclusive Football Community

The partnership between Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC is an important step towards making grassroots football accessible to more children and those who are disabled. By offering free sessions in a supportive environment, the clubs are helping children build skills, make friends and experience the joy of playing football. The message is simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, participate and thrive through sport.

Sydney FC bolsters business strategy with third-year ABCC partnership

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Image Credit: Sydney FC

Sydney FC is extending its partnership with the Australian British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) for a third year, strengthening the connection between the club’s corporate network and the wider business community.

The partnership will give ABCC members access to Sydney FC’s Business Club, it’s new The Collective networking platform and a range of events throughout the 2026/27 season.

ABCC members had already been attending Sydney FC matches and networking through hospitality, and last season the organisations built on that connection by collaborating on a pre‑World Cup business event featuring former players and football industry figures.

ABCC Chief Commercial Officer Paul Wright said the partnership had provided members with opportunities to engage with the club and its business community.

“We are delighted to continue the strong partnership between the Australian British Chamber of Commerce and Sydney FC for the third consecutive year,” Wright said.

Sydney FC Commercial and Marketing General Manager Matt Pound said the relationship was creating opportunities beyond traditional matchday hospitality.

“There’s a large appetite for collaboration between the Sydney FC business club and those within the ABCC, with numerous partnership opportunities being developed through this collaboration,” Pound said.

The continued partnership will also see Sydney FC benefit from member introductions through the ABCC, while the club will contribute speakers to selected Chamber events and feature in its quarterly magazine.

For Sydney FC, the partnership provides another established business network through which to develop its broader commercial strategy, following the recent launch of The Collective.

The club is increasingly positioning its corporate relationships around networking and business development, using football and its existing commercial community as a platform for connections beyond sponsorship and matchday hospitality.

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