Futsal Festival scores big

HAVING A BALL: Who had a great time over the Futsal Festival programme? The photo tells the story. Picture supplied

Over 40 high school and intermediate students took part in a highly successful Futsal Festival programme for the whaikaha (disability) community.

Lytton High, Campion College, Gisborne Girls' High and Gisborne Intermediate were involved and organisers are looking for other sports to provide similarly inclusive opportunities.

Central Football, in conjunction with Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti (SGT), adapted the traditional elements of futsal — an association football-based game usually played on a hard court — to fit the needs of those who have physical or mental learning obstacles.

“The games and activities have been really interactive and achievable,” Gisborne Intermediate kaiako Michaela Boyle said of the four-week programme.

“It's been great seeing so many students succeed during the activities and be supported and encouraged by all facilitators and staff.

“There have also been many opportunities for students to explore skills individually and in a team.”

The modified style of football allowed rangatahi to find a way to participate that worked for them, not against them.

It allowed them to be active and build relationships so that they did not miss out on quality sporting experiences.

“It's wonderful to be able to provide opportunities that may not necessarily be readily available to the students and fantastic to see them having so much fun,” Central Football special projects manager John McGifford said.

“Seeing the smiles on so many faces was incredibly fulfilling and we look forward to the programme becoming an annual event.”

SGT is seeking other clubs or codes that want to jump on board and provide similar opportunities for whaikaha in their respective sport.

“The four-week Futsal Festival was such a great experience for sport codes and the whaikaha community to work together to create more opportunities, connect and have fun,” SGT manawakura adviser Courtney Stubbins said.

“Traditional sports don't always work for our communities that face barriers so we need to be responsive to ensure that we are providing opportunities for all of our rangatahi.

“We would love to hear from any other codes or clubs who are interested in finding ways to be more inclusive.”