On Tuesday, July 30th, the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), in partnership with GippSport, hosted a successful “Come & Try” All Abilities Football session in Inverloch for participants with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the event was to assess interest levels in forming an All Abilities Football Team/Program in the local community.
The day was a huge success, with participants from the local Specialist School, disability providers, and their support workers taking part. The session offered a variety of football-related activities, including a handball station, kicking drills, and goal-kicking practice. Before diving into the stations, everyone participated in a warm-up to ensure they were ready for the session.
At the Handball Station, participants got a feel for an AFL football while working on hand-eye coordination through partner drills. The station allowed them to practice catching and passing while introducing movement-based drills, building confidence and connection with the game.
The Kicking Station was a particular favourite among participants. It focused on different types of kicks, such as short-range and mid-range, with drills designed to teach participants how to move with the ball and kick under various conditions. The drill involved weaving between goal posts, challenging participants to maintain balance while preparing to kick.
Goal Kicking added another layer of skill development, with cones set up to simulate real game scenarios and varying angles. Participants rotated through the different positions, experiencing the challenge of kicking from multiple spots on the field.
The day wrapped up with a game of football, where participants put their newly learned skills into action. The atmosphere was electric, with every player getting a chance to handball, kick, or score a goal. One of the standout moments was the level of support and encouragement between participants, with everyone ensuring that all had their moment to shine.
GippSport is proud to have been part of this successful event, which clearly demonstrated the power of inclusion in sport. Every participant had a smile on their face, and the feedback from teachers and carers was overwhelmingly positive. We are excited about the potential to continue offering opportunities like this for the community.
