Football West and Football Futures Foundation are pleased to announce the Gold Fields WA Para State Football Team for the National Para Football Championships 2024.
The Gold Fields WA Para Football State Team
| Full name | Classification |
| Rafferty Bacon | FT1 |
| Miguel Marcelino | FT1 |
| Samuel McConnachy (GK) | FT1 |
| Alessandro La Verghetta (C) | FT2 |
| Connor Bunce (VC) | FT2 |
| Giacomo Izzo | FT2 |
| Rodrigues Niyongere | FT2 |
| Corbyn Major | FT2 |
| Noah Bremmer-Bell | FT3 |
| Josh DeSilva | FT3 |
| Jarvis Tresize | FT3 |
The Gold Fields WA Para Football State coaching team
| Full name | Role |
| Fadi Ma’ayah | Head Coach |
| Peter Dawson | Assistant Coach |
| Didier Wong | Team Manager |
| Rebecca Brest | Physiotherapist |
The Championships will be held from 11-14 September at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra.
The players will have the opportunity to impress CommBank Paramatildas and CommBank Pararoos coaching staff as they prepare to select national squads for the 2024 IFCPF World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Salou, Spain, in November.
Para Football is played by athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries (ABI) and/or stroke-related impairments.
Football Futures Foundation Executive Officer Michael Kerr said: “The journey to the National Championships has been a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our athletes. Football Futures Foundation is excited to support this team as they compete against the best in the country and inspire others with their determination.
“The Gold Fields WA Para Football State Team selection is a reflection of the commitment from both players and coaching staff.
“Football Futures Foundation is thrilled to back these remarkable individuals, alongside Football West and our generous sponsors, and see them embrace the opportunity to showcase their abilities and inspire countless others through their journey.”
WA Paras Team Manager Didier Wong said: “As we unveil the squad, we are reminded of the power of football to transcend barriers and create a sense of community. The upcoming Championships will be a platform for our team to not only demonstrate their football prowess but also their unwavering spirit.
“The National Para Football Championships are a celebration of unity, diversity, and sportsmanship. Our Gold Fields WA Para Football State team embodies these values, and we are excited to see them forge ahead, leaving their mark on the field and in the hearts of fans.”
The Para Football format is co-ordinated under FIFA rules with slight modifications. The sport is governed by the International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF).
The Gold Fields WA Para Football State team is sponsored by Gold Fields, KingKira Group, PTE Industries, Aspire Therapy WA, Purple Heather and supported by Football West and its charity partner Football Futures Foundation.
Sport classification
A sport classification is a category which groups athletes depending on how much their impairment impacts performance in their sport. In Para Football, there are three classifications: FT1, FT2 and FT3. As Para Football is a team sport, classification aims at ensuring fairness with regard to the impact of impairment between both teams.
The National Para Football Championships provide an opportunity for players to compete on a national stage against the best Para teams from around the country.
For more information, visit www.footballaustralia.com.au/para-football-national-championships