Football Federation of SA joins Bedford to launch disability soccer league
Major announcements were made at the Bedford Big Sports BBQ, the annual fundraising event for Bedford.
Bedford’s Chief Executive Maggie Dowling with latest Bedford Ambassador Tom Doedee.
The new partnership between the Football Federation of South Australia (FFSA) and Bedford to create a disability soccer league was announced on Friday 22 February 2019 at Adelaide Oval.
FFSA CEO Michael Carter said his peak soccer body will collaborate with Bedford over the next three years to establish a series of programs, tournaments and events for a number of disability service providers.
“The FFSA will host a mass participation at the VALO Football Centre at Angle Park on Monday the 11th of March to drive participation in the in the regular competition. We look forward to a great event,” Mr Carter said.
“Our vision is to be the sport of choice for South Australians. Our partnership with the Bedford Group will ensure that we can welcome a new wave of participants to the game.”
Bedford’s Chief Executive Maggie Dowling said this exciting new league will provide a strong foundation for growing grassroots soccer in the state.
“We all know about the value of sport in our lives. It provides the foundation for teamwork, communication and physical strength to so many of our clients– some of whom compete in the Special Olympics or Paralympics,” Ms Dowling said.
The annual Bedford Big Sports BBQ was also used to announce the appointment of Adelaide Crows defender Tom Doedee as the latest Bedford Ambassador. Doedee shared his very personal story about his brother’s acquired disability.
A panel of elite players – including Tom Jonas from Port Power, Ben Halloran and Nikola Mileusnic from Adelaide United, and Sarah Perkins from the Adelaide Crows – talked about about their clubs’ progress and how to make their sports more inclusive for all.
Dowling said the Big Sports BBQ also highlighted Bedford’s commitment to showcase its fantastic suite of services, social participation programs and meaningful employment for 1500 clients.
“From our humble beginnings at Panorama as a shelter and employer for injured World War II veterans, Bedford is now the second largest employer for people with disability in Australia and despite many of the challenges providers face with NDIS reforms we continue to grow and evolve,” she said.
“Walk in to any of our 22 sites across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales and you’ll people manufacturing furniture for Bunnings, packaging locally-produced food or learning how to become chefs and baristas.
“More importantly, you’ll see smiles on faces, hear amazing stories and quickly realise Bedford is helping change lives, building capacity, independence and wellbeing.”
Visit www.bedfordgroup.com.au or 8275 0211 to discuss your business needs, or how Bedford can support people living with disability and their families.
