Whitsunday Touch Football has welcomed a group of new players, sharing the sport of touch footy with individuals living with intellectual and physical impairments.
The eight-week program is called All Abilities Touch Football and is an inclusive program for people of all abilities to learn Touch skills and play the sport in a supported environment.
The Whitsunday Touch Football Club is one of seven Queensland clubs to endorse the program and has signed up over 20 participants.
It all started a year or two ago, when Club Treasurer, Justin Butler, began to see a familiar face at the weekly games.
“He just asked if he could come along and play, and I said ‘of course, bring your boots,” Justin explained.
“I didn’t realise he wouldn’t be able to play in the regular comp, so I looked into alternatives. And we found the All Abilities Program was the perfect opportunity.”
Alongside Club President Alita DeBrincat, the club hosts the participants each week, teaching them touch skills.
“Some of the guys are throwing soft balls, some just come down to watch, some are playing a round, there’s all different levels,” Alita explained.
“The carers come down too and talk about how good it is for the participants to get out and do something different,” she said.
Once the program has concluded, the club are bringing on an All Abilities team, to play alongside the regular team.
“The goal for this year is to showcase these guys before our carnival grand final, have them playing for a bit,” Justin said.
The All Abilities program is open for all individuals and all types of abilities.
“If you want to give it a go, just rock up. Whitsunday Sportspark, Mondays at 2pm. Come along,” said Justin.
Whitsunday Touch Football Club is one of seven clubs to endorse the new All Abilities Touch Football Program. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
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