The combined forces of the Fountain Gate Gators and Eltham Panthers capped off a sensational season in the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) Division 3 Reserves competition with a grand final victory on Sunday 21 August.
The Gators defeated the Cranbourne Eagles Open Mixed Reserves side 56 to 26 at Livingstone Rec Reserve to win their first premiership in their first completed season, after winning the minor premiership in the home and away season.
The team is made up of players who suffer physical and intellectual disabilities aged between 14 and 45. It was formed during 2020 as an initiative from Gators president Andrew Johnston.
“We’re known as family club but I wanted us to be an inclusive club as well,” Mr Johnston said.
“Through Covid-19, I looked at ways to expand the club because the juniors weren’t doing it on their own. I looked at women’s seniors to give the girls pathways.
“Some kids that I coach have siblings that qualify for this team but couldn’t play in the other sides. I thought, ‘How do I get them to play football?’
“They were my inspiration to look into it.”
One of those siblings Mr Johnston referenced is Matthew Scolyer, son of the team’s coach, Anthony and brother of assistant coach and runner, Lachlan.
Matthew’s disability has prevented him from participating previously and, as such, this was the first time he was able to play in organised team sport.
“He has two brothers, both of whom actively participate in sports,” Anthony said.
“His younger brother is captain of the under 14s.
“Matthew was always going along to watch his brothers and cheering the loudest but felt excluded.
“It’s absolutely amazing that the club came together to build a foundation for him and colleagues to be able to play.”
Anthony said it took some time for Matthew to feel comfortable in the environment but since clearing that hurdle, he had seen a marked improvement in his personal development.
“It’s been great for him to build his confidence socially, communicate, bond and work in a team environment. He’s got more confidence and he’s more capable in the community.”
Anthony has coached at local level before but this was the first all-abilities side he had taken the reigns of.
He said he was forced to alter his coaching style but his players want to learn and improve, and their passion for the game made his job easy.
“We had kids from all walks of life with all types of disabilities,” he said.
“What I found is the deeper connection you get from coaching kids with a disability.
“It’s the understanding of what it takes for them as an effort to achieve personal goals and individual goals.
“Part of that is around their social interaction because for some it’s difficult to socially connect with others. To build their capabilities and see their confidence grow to become a broader member of community is heart-warming.
“That’s as big a success as winning the grand final.”
Mr Johnston said the team’s spirit and success had reverberated throughout the club.
“It’s hard to describe the vibe and support around the club at the moment,” he said.
“We had 120 people come out and support them on Sunday and it was a pretty amazing atmosphere for the team.
“It’s quite inspiring.”
Anthony said he expected the victory to live on in the players’ minds for quite some time.
“It’s Thursday now and the game was on Sunday but most of these guys, I’m still seeing them go to school or work with medals around their neck this week!”
