The showgrounds were a hive of activity on Sunday morning, May 5, as teams and spectators arrived for the Benalla All-Abilities Footy Carnival.
Six teams from across the district came to take part and after lining up for a team photo, Benalla co-coach Shane Richardson said he was excited for kick off.
“This is our second carnival and today is going to be really good,” Richardson said at the start of the day.
He said while the team is growing he is on the lookout for more players, and volunteers to assist on game days.
“We have Robin Smith here today from Sport Inclusion Australia. She was at the Saints game yesterday and rounded up a few helpers for us.”
Richardson said that while that’s helped them get through Sunday, moving forward the club is on the lookout for more volunteers.
And, of course, any new players are also invited to get in touch.
If you can help, or know someone who would like to join the team, call Shane Richardson on 0408 116 429.
Benalla’s Robin Smith said she was excited to be in a position to help get her local all-abilities team get up and running.
“In 1989 when I started working in the disability area we started this competition with Hawthorn Football Club and the local city council,” Smith said.
“We had about 30 players ... We now boast 900 plus players. Subsequently, I’ve moved to Benalla and this is its first-ever team, a FIDA club.”
That stands for Football Integration Development Association, and Ms Smith said the result was a pathway for players to move onwards and upwards.
“I’m CEO of Sport inclusion Australia and just happen to live here in Benalla, but this a national pathway now, with the AFL.
“So the players from these competitions can get spotted.”
This can lead to them having an opportunity to represent Victoria in the country or metro teams.
“Or they can play in the national carnival,” Smith said.
“And it’s just great for the town. We know both men and women love to play the game, and this enables more local people to do that.
“It’s great the Saints have got behind it, and opened up the canteen and supported it so well.
“This is the first All-Abilities Footy Carnival we’re hosting and the first season having a team.
“It’s very exciting.”
Richardson said the carnival couldn’t have taken place without the generous support of sponsors.
“Thank you to all our sponsors, including Spot on Sparky, Benalla Bus Lines, Sureway Training and Employment and Living Goals,” he said.