Clinic to kick off soccer campaign

By EMMA SUN
A SOCCER clinic for children with disabilities in Mount Evelyn might be the start of a special league across the south-east.
The Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club will run the clinic next Tuesday for students at the Mount Evelyn Special Developmental School (SDS) and will culminate in games on the nearby oval.
Coach David Ceeney said the aim of organisers was to give those who don’t often get the opportunity a chance to play soccer.
“Hopefully we’ll give the kids a bit of fun,” he said.
“It will also allow our kids to have a real game and if we get 20 kids we can have a match.”
Ten students from Mount Evelyn SDS will take part in the clinic and another special developmental school has also been invited.
Mount Evelyn SDS sports teacher Matt Shakespeare said the clinic, which is being run as part of the Yarra Ranges Council’s Access for All Abilities program would give the students a chance try something new.
“If there are some students that could benefit, then a handful of students can look into the option of trying the sport with the club,” he said.
“It’s good to have outside people and it allows our kids to socialise and mix with new people.”
Mr Ceeney said the success of the clinic could determine the possibility of running a wheelchair soccer league.
“What would be really ideal is if we could develop something like a league where schools can compete against each other,” he said.
“It would give (the children) more pathways – I’m not sure how the pathways work for the Paralympics but I have a feeling there aren’t any formal pathways and you can’t have any formal pathways until you get grassroots happening.”
Mr Shakespeare said a round robin style system would be fantastic for schools around the area.
The Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club is still looking for people to help out with the clinic next Tuesday, which will run from 1.30 to 2.45pm.
Anyone interested in lending a hand can contact David Ceeney on 0409 803 710.