Project Type
DEI | Collaborative | Sport | Disability | Children | Innovation
Role
Founder | Event Coordinator | Program Coordinator | Marketing | Media Management | Web Designer
Project Name
Falcons Footy Rugby League for Children of Different Abilities
Location
SC Falcons, NRL Games Development, Sunshine Coast Stadium - Queensland
Recognition
2015 ASPECT 'Above & Beyond' Award
2015 Matt Gillett nominee Ken Stephens Medal
Initiation
In 2014 Falcons Footy Rugby League came to fruition after a conversation with a parent of a child with ASD and the fears of having their child play a team sport. As a strong advocate for fairness, I felt compelled to ensure no child would miss the opportunity to experience playing a team sport.
Planning
March 2014, I contacted SC Falcons and NRL Games Development Sunshine Coast with a proposal to host a Come and Try Rugby League Day for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, which was hosted April 2014.
Outcome
After the success of this event, I met with the key stakeholders and C-Suite to develop, implement and coordinate and ongoing program which included creating further opportunities for families and all children with disability to experience Rugby League in a safe and inclusive space such as:
Ambassador Matt Gillett from the Brisbane Broncos coaching clinics,
trips to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane by bus to watch the Broncos play;
Maroons camp private access to meet players,
SC Falcons field run outs every home game,
locker room experiences.
Sustainability
I had a driving factor to coordinate the program as a volunteer with a strong community belief of giving back and relying on many volunteers to make each event happen. After 4 years developing and implementing the program, making sure all procedures were running smoothly and ensuring it was sustainable, I stepped down as coordinator. The program continues and is an innovative model that continues to inspire similar community sports programs locally and nationally.
