Above: John Filmer of Dandenong RSL (left), David Cain of Doveton Special Soccer School and head soccer coach with Doveton Special Soccer School Carlos Loyola.By Rebecca Fraser
MORE than 300 players turned out last Friday to take part in the eighth annual Friendship Soccer Championship at Waratah Reserve in Doveton.
Sixteen teams from throughout Victoria competed and the Doveton Special Soccer School hosted the event.
The home team was also named divisionone champion and Emerson School in Dandenong was named runnerup.
Naranga School from Frankston was named divisiontwo champion, Emerson School divisionthree champion, Baringa School in Moe divisionfour winner and Marnebek school in Cranbourne was named divisionfive champion.
Head soccer coach with Doveton Special Soccer School Carlos Loyola said he was delighted with the strong turnout and urged the community to keep supporting his team and special soccer events.
“When we started we had 25 players and one tournament and now we have 300 players.
“It is my duty and our duty to give people with disability the opportunity to play sport.
“Soccer gives enjoyment and hope and something different in the players’ lives,” he said.
Mr Loyola said the Doveton Special Soccer School was thrilled with the win and the strong community support the event had attracted.
But he said the school was always in need of more funding.
“We train 44 weeks of the year and this costs a lot of money.
“This is more than just soccer as it gives people the opportunity to travel and be a part of a team.
“Any money or support would be really helpful,” he said.
Emerson School principal John Mooney is a strong supporter of the event and has attended every year.
“These clubs introduce students with additional needs to the world of soccer and this becomes part of their recreational pathway and gives them something to really look forward to and dream about,’ he said.
The Victoria Police Pipe Band also performed and members from the Victoria Police Soccer Club also turned out to show their support.
Minister for Children Sherryl Garbutt also attended and officially opened the games.
“It is great to see so many people here and the community so involved and supporting one another and working together to achieve something as worthwhile as what I have seen today,” she said.
