Sport
9 May, 2025
History-making side for Saints
FOR the first time in the club’s history, Koroit Football Netball Club has established its own All-Abilities football side.
The side, which caters for all-abilities players from the age of 14 through to 44, is currently training every Wednesday night and is aiming to next season enter the FIDA (Football Integration Development Association) competition.
The competition currently comprises the South Warrnambool Roosters, Grampian Giants and Wimmera Whippets.
Under the watchful eye of coach Leon Carey, the side has rapidly grown from an initial group of around 16 players through to more than 25 this week – and the club could not be prouder.
“We’ve been talking about the possibility of establishing this team for about 12 months now so it’s really exciting to see it up and running,” Koroit Football Netball Club secretary Sharna Westley said.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we’ve got the right people in the right positions and we’re confident that’s exactly what we now have – with Leon Carey as coach and wife Jodie team manager.
“Their (players) faces just light up when they run out on the ground and they’re all so excited to get out there and have a go. That’s what it’s all about.”
Leading the way at training, Leon Carey said taking on the coaching role is an honour.
“It’s just so great to see the numbers out there at training,” he said.
“We’ve had three sessions so far and will continue for the remainder of term – with our ultimate goal to enter the official competition next season.
“We train for an hour from 5pm every Wednesday at Victoria Park and the sessions include warm-up, drills and a game at the end.”
Wanting to give the players a sense of belonging, and the full player experience, the side also spends time in the Saints’ changerooms at the end of each session.
“They all love going into the changerooms for a chat; they really feel like true Saints footballers.”
Adding to the feeling of inclusion, the players were this week presented with their Koroit football jumpers.
“They were all given caps last week and they absolutely loved those; now they have playing jumpers which I’m sure they will all wear with pride when we enter the FIDA competition next year.”
The team is appreciative of the supportive and enthusiasm shown by everyone at the Saints, along with the South Warrnambool Roosters who, by all accounts, are excited at the prospect of a fourth side entering the competition for season 2026.
“South has given us a lot of support and that’s been fantastic,” Leon said.
“We all can’t wait to see Koroit All-Abilities out there on game day next year. That’s our goal.
“These players are amazing; they show so much excitement, resilience and determination. This team (and club) has given them all a sense of belonging which is just so important.”
For 16 year-old Greta, “it’s fun to play with everyone,” while Apeni, 14, loves the team-work and the chats.
“It’s very entertaining and we are giving it a red hot go,” Jono (16) said.
Anyone wishing to join the Koroit Saints All-Abilities side can simply turn up at the next training session and join in.
All players must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or carer.
