NOTHING brings people together quite like the love of football, and the AFLNT’s Footy 4 Life program celebrates this love with all those in the Alice Springs community.
Introduced by Tommy Dutton, AFLNT’s Alice Springs Remote Development Manager, the program looks to deliver an inclusive football-based clinic for members of the community who are living with a disability.
Often those with a disability are unable to participate in football clinics due to a range of barriers, but the Footy 4 Life program is making sure that nobody misses out.
The weekly sessions engage with a range of footy lovers from the Alice Springs and outer town regions, giving them the opportunity to socialise while working on their football craft through drills and activities.
During the club’s most recent trip to the Red Centre, AFLW stars Sinead Goldrick and Tahlia Gillard took part in the much-loved program, bringing with them the Season 7 premiership cup.
Goldrick said it was a highlight of the duo’s trip to Alice Springs, with the love of footy bringing everyone together.
“We had the privilege to present a remarkable group of footy fans with their guernseys, and everyone got a chance to lift the premiership cup at the end which was a lot of fun,” Goldrick told Melbourne Media.
“It was a very special morning and a reminder that sport brings everyone together.
“Having a positive attitude is so contagious and it can bring joy to those around you in a second.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and the work Footy for Life do is amazing.”
Gillard echoed a similar sentiment, expressing her gratitude for those that shared their love of footy with the two.
“It’s a great initiative, providing disabled participants the chance to play footy and have fun in a safe and supportive environment,” Gillard said.
“Personally, my most enjoyable moment was presenting the cup to the team, allowing them to share in the experience of winning a premiership.
“The atmosphere in the rooms and the amount of joy felt from the participants is something I’ll never forget.
"It was a privilege to interact with the participants and the broader community.”
