During half time of the Melbourne Heart vs. Adelaide United match on Sunday 1st December you may have noticed another football match going on at AAMI Stadium.
During half time of the Melbourne Heart vs. Adelaide United match on Sunday 1st December you may have noticed another football match going on at AAMI Stadium.
Eight young football fans born with cerebal palsy or with an acquired brain injury got the chance to play out their dream on the AAMI Stadium turf, showcasing Disability Sport & Recreation-s 7-a-side Football Program, supported by Melbourne Heart FC and Northcote City FC.
The 7-a-side Football Program gives disabled participants the chance to participate in their favourite sport with the same rules as the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA) but with slight modifications. There is no offside rule and the field is smaller with smaller goal posts.
Melbourne Heart FC Manager of Community Sue Crow said the game was a representation of Melbourne Heart-s work with the community.
“Melbourne Heart FC are proud to be involved with Disability Sport and Recreation and this event encapsulates our ongoing commitment and dedication to providing opportunities for all Victorians to share in the football experience,” she said.
Disability Sport & Recreation CEO, Rob Anderson said, “It is wonderful to see an A-League Team with such community spirit, highlighting the importance of sport for all.”
The game was played in celebration of International Day of People with Disability on Tuesday 3rd of December and seek to raise awareness of the 7-a-side program that is available for people with disability.
Disability Sport & Recreation are a Victorian not-for-profit organisation and have coordinated the 7-a-side football team since 2010 and are actively looking for participants.
The opportunity is open to those with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or those who have experienced stroke.
