Perth to host historic showcase match to elevate soccer players with intellectual disabilities

In a monumental leap towards more inclusive sports, a historic showcase match is poised to captivate soccer enthusiasts and fans of all abilities across Australia. This groundbreaking event, scheduled during the National Para Football Championships 2023, will feature a representative team from Western Australia (WA) facing off against a formidable counterpart from Victoria. What sets this occasion apart is that all the players on the field will have intellectual disabilities, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of an elite soccer pathway for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

This momentous match promises to not only showcase the incredible talents of these athletes but also underscores the unwavering commitment of the sporting community to inclusivity and diversity within the beautiful game.

The showcase match stands as a milestone event in the creation of a dedicated elite soccer pathway, carefully designed to nurture and propel the talents of athletes who have, for far too long, been underrepresented in mainstream sports.

This achievement has been made possible by the drive of a group of passionate volunteers led by Sue Minutillo, a driving force behind this initiative. Sue has a remarkable history of involvement in the Equal Footingball League, serving as a manager and coordinator, as well as her close collaboration with Football Futures Foundation, Special Olympics and the Gold Fields State WA Paras over many years. Her tireless efforts and unwavering belief in the potential of athletes with intellectual disabilities have played a crucial role in bringing this showcase match to fruition.

Key stakeholders involved in this initiative have expressed their immense excitement. Brent Hedley from the Football Futures Foundation shared his perspective, “This showcase match is a significant leap towards creating opportunities and recognition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in soccer. We firmly believe it will inspire more individuals to pursue their dreams in the sport, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

This event is more than a showcase; it’s a platform to raise awareness about the paramount importance of inclusion and diversity in sports. It reaffirms the idea that soccer is a sport for everyone, regardless of physical or intellectual differences.

The showcase match is poised to be a thrilling display of skill, sportsmanship, and the indomitable power of the human spirit. Football Futures Foundation extends a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join in celebrating the incredible achievements of these remarkable athletes and to wholeheartedly support a future of even greater inclusivity in Australian soccer.

Don’t miss this historic moment at the National Para Football Championships 2023 as Western Australia takes on Victoria in a showcase match that is destined to etch an indelible mark on Australian soccer history.

About the National Para Football Championships

The National Para Football Championships are a premier national-level soccer competition specifically designed for players with cerebral palsy (CP), acquired brain injury (ABI), or those experiencing impairment as a result of stroke. These tournaments provide a unique opportunity for individuals with these conditions to showcase their exceptional skills and compete at the highest level.

The National Para Football Championships also serve as a vital platform for talent identification and player development within the disability football community. They play a crucial role in identifying players with the potential to represent their country in prestigious international Para Football competitions, such as the Para Football World Cup or the Paralympic Games.