AJFC All Abilities Football Program
Abbotsford Juniors Football Club is seeking formal Expressions of Interest from members of the community to join our new All Abilities Football (Soccer) Program that will commence at Campbell Park, Chiswick this Winter Football Season.
Abbotsford Juniors Football Club - All Abilities Football Program for 2024
The AJFC All Abilities Football program at its commencement aims to provide individuals with a neurodiverse disability or condition with the opportunity to engage in football, fostering physical activity, social interaction, and personal development. The proposed program will cater to the participant's individual disability or condition, creating an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes the physical and mental well-being of participants.
Abbotsford Juniors Football Club believes that the establishment of an All Abilities Football Program in 2024 can create a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. By offering a supportive and inclusive environment to participants, the program not only promotes physical health and skill development but also fosters a sense of belonging, team-work and personal growth.
All Abilities Program Objectives
The AJFC Program objectives are to:
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities to participate in football;
- Foster physical fitness, coordination, and motor skills development;
- Promote social interaction, teamwork, and communication skills;
- Enhance participants' self-esteem, confidence, and personal growth; and
- Raise awareness about inclusivity and diversity in sport.
It will focus upon ensuring that participants improve their fitness and football skills, gain opportunities for socialising and participation in the broader football community and most importantly, have fun.
Program Participation
The overall goal of the AJFC All Abilities Football program aim is to offer participation opportunities for anyone with a disability within the City of Canada Bay council area and surrounds. Whilst Abbotsford Juniors Football Club is fortunate to have access to an Amenities building with disabled access and toilet facilities; access to our fields of play from these facilities is not currently suitable for individuals with physical disabilities and specifically those who use a wheelchair to participate in football activity.
In recognition of this sutiation, Abbotsford Juniors Football Club is proposing that the initial launch of the AJFC All Abilities Football program in 2024 will offer support for participation by individuals with a neurodiverse and/or intellectual disability or condition.
It is the Club’s strong intent to continue to pursue discussions with City of Canada Bay Council representatives to provide suitable facilities, access and field surfaces that will allow the Club to extend the program to individuals with a physical disability as soon as possible.
The Club however welcomes Expressions of Interest from anyone irrespective of their condition or disability.
Program Cost and Benefits
Participation in the program will be at no cost to participants thanks to the generous support of a new AJFC Club sponsor (who will be announced shortly). Approved participants will receive a free playing kit comprising a jersey, shorts and socks and will have the opportunity to participate in all AJFC Community events and share in other Club membership benefits. This will include participation in the AJFC Team Presentation Day where medals and acknowledgement of individual achievement will be presented.
Age Groups and Program Structure
Participation in the proposed AJFC All Abilities Football program will be for children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years of age that are seeking an inclusive football experience. The program will be grouped by the age groups below (subject to participation numbers);
5 – 8 years
8 – 13 years
14 – 18 years
Sessions will be 60 minutes long, consisting of a 15-minute warm-up activity, 30 minutes of skill development with appropriate breaks, and a 10 to 15-minute fun activity. Sessions will be held on a Saturday morning utilising the Campbell Park Community Room and dedicated Campbell Park field space. The sessions will offer structured soccer training sessions focusing on skill development, coordination, and team dynamic in a fun environment.
The program intends to use as its guide, sport specific training techniques sourced from the Special Olympics "Learn to Train" Soccer resource for the creation of the program. Activities will be tailored to the ability of each participant in the program and at the commencement of the program, coaches will work with each participant to set an achievable set of goals for their participation. This will commence with an assessment of the participant’s baseline skills. These will be assessed again at the end of the annual program and feedback provided to the participant.
Coaches and Support Staff
AJFC has been fortunate to secure a passionate volunteer member of the Club with significant experience in the provision of disability services who will lead and champion the proposed AJFC All Abilities Football program.
All coaches involved in the program will hold appropriate football coaching qualifications and will be experienced in working with individuals with a disability. All Club coaches and support staff will complete a NDIS Workers Check and have a current Working with Children Check.
Parent/Guardian/Carer Responsibility and Involvement
Parents, guardians, and carers will play an important role in the success of this program. Parents and carers of individual participants in the program will be required to agree to a Charter as part of the registration process.
In summary, the Charter will specify that parents and carers are to be required to be Engaged to support and assist participants and their coaches and Present in that they are physically present and in close proximity to where program sessions are being conducted.
What happens next?
If you or someone you know has a disability and is interested in participating in the program, please register your interest using our Program Expression of Interest form. An expression of interest is not binding, is completely confidential and will not be shared with any other party or business.
Our initial expression of interest period will close Sunday 17th March. The Club will make contact with you using your nominated contact detail shortly after this time.
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