25 Feb Louise’s Story

Louise came to Inclusive Sport SA in June 2014 after being referred by Novita Children’s Services Recreation Officer, Emily Ayles. Louise is an avid Footballer and has been playing in a mixed competition since she was just six years old at Mitchell Park Football Club. Louise wanted to find a women’s football competition as her current club did not field any teams in her age group. Louise and her Dad met with Inclusive Sport SA and spoke about living with Cerebral Palsy and her goals and barriers to participating in sport. With the help of the SANFL Female Football Coordinator Emma Gibson, Inclusive Sport SA was able to work with the West Adelaide Women’s Football Club who were seeking new players for the upcoming season. On a wintry night Louise met some of the players from the club and participated in some training drills! The next week Louise was back again and this time had her first training with the U16’s, her new team. On August 15, 2014 Louise made her debute for West Adelaide in the South Australian Women’s Football League (SAWFL) U16’s competition. Louise saw the season out and is looking forward to the 2015 pre-season. Through this project Inclusive Sport SA has been able to facilitate Louise’s transition to joining a new club by; getting to know Louise and her goals, liaising with State Sporting Organisations and local clubs, arranging meetings between parents and the coach, and being given the opportunity to observe and meet club members before commencing the activity.