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.
