WA leads the way in Auskick Wheelchair

The launch of Auskick Wheelchair has seen new participants join the sport. Run by the West Australian Football Commission’s Starkick program alongside WA All Abilities Football Association, Auskick Wheelchair is for boys and girls aged 5 – 7 with or without disabilities who want to take part in a fun team sport. WAAAFA Executive Officer Hayden Marchetto said the attendance over the first two weeks has been tremendous. "It’s wonderful to see kids take part in Auskick Wheelchair for the first time,” Marchetto said. “What’s more rewarding is to see siblings who have not had the chance to play a sport together due to disabilities, play alongside each other. “Whether you have a disability or not, any child can take part in Auskick Wheelchair, and who knows, one day they may join the Wheelchair Football League through this player pathway.” For Starkick participant Ayden Adams, the trip his family makes from Halls Head each Sunday to take part in Auskick Wheelchair is an amazing experience he and his brother can participate in together.

Ayden was diagnosed with Cornelia De Lange Syndrome when he was three years old, and this year was diagnosed with Perthes Disease – an uncommon condition where the blood supply to the head of the thigh bone is disrupted which causes the bone to deteriorate. This can cause pain, limping and limited movement of the hip joint, resulting in Ayden needing to use a wheelchair.

Ayden joined Halls Head Starkick program this year and his mother Brooke says he has enjoyed every moment. “Starkick allows Ayden to participate in sports with people who are able to take their time with him and he’s been able to better communicate with others and be active in the community,” Brooke said. When Auskick launched a fortnight ago, Ayden’s family not only signed up the seven-year-old, but also his brother. “We chose to join Auskick Wheelchair because of the Perthes Disease which has left Ayden unable to do any impact sports,” Brooke said. “Because Ayden now uses a wheelchair in his daily life, we thought this may be a way for him to still keep active and make new friends.” Brooke says the best part about Auskick Wheelchair is the children taking part do not have to have a disability. “The sport also gave Ayden’s brother an opportunity to join him in playing wheelchair football, as they have a close bond.” Auskick Wheelchair’s final session is this Sunday October 29, to take part in the program and register your child’s interest, visit Auskick Wheelchair.