Willetton and Wembley Integrated Football Teams Receive Boost
9 April, 2018
Community TAB is sponsoring both the Willetton and Wembley Integrated Football Teams in 2018 which is part of a program that provides an inclusive environment for males and females with an intellectual disability, ranging from 15 to 38 years of age, at amateur football clubs.
The Wembley Integrated Football Team was founded in December 2013 and is fully run by a group of volunteers from the local area.
2018 is the first season the Willetton Integrated Football Team will compete in the Integrated league.
Community TAB’s sponsorship of the teams allows them to purchase items such as training and playing shirts, footballs, trophies and take part in events such as camps.
Wembley Team Manager Alastair Mackenzie said the Community TAB sponsorship allows their volunteers and coordinators to make independent decisions throughout the season without having to continually rely on wider club funds.
“As much as annual player membership fees are inevitable within a community club, our aim is to take as much of the financial burden away from our players as possible, and sponsorship funds allow us to do so while still providing a professional environment and organisation,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“We have such a fantastic bunch of players, volunteers and families all part of a great football club. My involvement provides me an opportunity to stay involved in the game I grew up playing, to provide our players an opportunity to be involved in community football in a welcoming and friendly environment. Sometimes I think I get more enjoyment out of my involvement than the players!
“Our program gives the playing group an environment to be part of a close knit team, providing physical, mental and social benefits that come along with sport. The best thing to come out of the program is to see the players become more and more confident in social settings around the team mates, peers and wider club, and develop friendships that will last forever.”
Willetton Team Manager Georgina Steacy said the sponsorship from Community TAB has been crucial to help financially towards setting the boys up for their Inaugural year of competition.
“This funding also helps parents/carers enormously when it comes to expenses, and shows the community spirit when it comes to contributing to disability sports and what excitement the boys have when they receive jumpers, polo shirts, etc. it’s a win-win outcome,” Ms Steacy said.
“I receive so much gratification seeing the boys having fun and participating in a sport they love. The comradery amongst the boys is incredible and the small things in life mean so much to these boys.
“I feel the boys look forward to coming to footy and being able to tell people they belong to the Willetton Club and also having team mates. I was speaking to one of the boys and he said “I feel comfortable being around boys with the same ability as myself and I want to help all the boys” – I thought this said it all.”
Community TAB General Manager Matthew Thomas said sponsoring the teams aligns closely with other organisations that Community TAB supports.
“Community TAB recognises volunteer based organisations and programs within the WA community who are in need of support financially and in raising awareness,” Mr Thomas said.
“The importance and benefits of the Integrated program at Amateur Football Clubs around WA is apparent to the families and individuals who are welcome to play a team sport and be incorporated within the club.
“Community TAB sponsors other volunteer based not-for-profit organisations that benefit people with disabilities such as Riding for the Disabled WA.”
The Community TAB sponsorship totals just under $3,000 for each team.
Willetton and Wembley Integrated Teams play against each other I round two of the season on Saturday 14 April.