Sydney FC Empowers Me! 2023 Program report
Following the success of the 2023 Sydney FC Foundation Dinner, this allowed us to launch our disability sports programs into schools and run community programs around Sydney.
This saw the Foundation run programs in Victoria Avenue Public School, Caroline Chisholm Public School, Giant Steps and Smalls Rd Public School in 2023. We were also able to run community programs at Valentine Sports Park, Stanhope Gardens Leisure Centre, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club and Sky Park, Sydney FC’s training ground.
Developing these programs saw specially designed curriculums developed to meet the participants needs, including working on team work, resilience, confidence, literacy, numeracy, as well as their football skills.
Taryan Walsh, Assistant Principal – Support Units, at Smalls Road Public School said;
“The kids have really enjoyed it and developed so much throughout the program. It's really lovely to see more of them playing soccer with the mainstream kids at break times and gaining confidence and the skills throughout the term to help them.”
This saw over 900 participants being able to participate in Sydney FC disability sports programs through the three pillars of programs – schools, community and matchday experiences.
"IT HAS BEEN GREAT TO SEE THE PROGRAMS DEVELOP AND BE ABLE TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAMS IS VERY REWARDING AND ENSURES THEY GET TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORT WHEN THEY OTHERWISE WOULDN‘T HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY."
- JAKE COHEN, SYDNEY FC INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS LEAD
Children participating in our Sydney FC Foundation All Abilities Program
Jenny Najm, participants mother, said, “Christian has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Sydney FC Foundation programs. He has not only learnt and developed his soccer skills / physical coordination but also his social skills in a group setting.
The change we have seen in Christian has been highly encouraging. This has had a positive effect on his overall well- being and has significantly contributed to mitigating challenging behaviours, providing him with a valuable outlet to anticipate and enjoy.
Christian has not only flourished in this environment but has also transitioned from being a spectator on the sidelines during his brothers' training to actively participating in his own training sessions and having a sense of belonging.”
Many of the community sessions have also allowed siblings, parents and other family members to play football with the participant when they otherwise wouldn’t have got that opportunity. This continues to create further opportunities for participation in different settings for each person involved in the Sydney FC Foundation program.
Sydney FC Foundation are looking to continue expanding their program offerings, including attending more schools, develop more community programs and continue the matchday experience offerings throughout 2024.