Dragons ready to fire up in all abilities football league
GEELONG will field its first all abilities football team on Sunday week, after branding themselves the Dragons.
Bell Park Football Club will host the club, including weekly training sessions in preparation for the six monthly games that will be held carnival style.
Geelong stars Zac Smith and Mark Blicavs helped lead training on Monday night.
“I think having this opportunity for members of the community, who might not fit into the mainstream environment, it’s been fantastic,” Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Tim Downes said.
“The FIDA competition itself has probably been going for 20 years and we sort of saw the need for something here in Geelong, hence we’ve come up with the idea of the Geelong Dragons.
“A lot can play Auskick, but once it becomes mainstream there’s probably a little bit of a gap, so now there’s a bit more of an even playing field with players of similar abilities.
“It’s been great. It’s something that’s been very much needed for Geelong.”
Downes said a number of partners had helped to get a team off the ground.
“A lot has to do with the other disability service providers here in Geelong, the special schools, AFL Barwon’s network, the network we have at Leisure Networks and I think it’s just word of mouth through the community of other sports we have,” he said.
“There are definitely a lot of positives (about the program). Sometimes there are a few challenges with direction and giving some instruction as well, but most of the time they just want to come out here and have a kick.”
Jai Smith will coach the side, which caters for players 14 and older.