EPIC Assist (EPIC) is passionate about helping community groups reach their highest potential and is thrilled to announce Seaford Junior Football Club as one of the successful recipients of their community grant program.
Over the last few years, Seaford Junior Football Club has taken steps towards creating a more inclusive community that offers greater opportunities for people with disability. The U9s Tigers Team Manager, Rebecca Buttner, says they have been actively participating in events that raise awareness for several important causes such as MND Australia (motor neurone disease).
“Seaford Junior Football Club is passionate about teaching strong values to each of their kids. We provide structured, formal activities to help the development of self-esteem and social skills, along with coordination and making new friends,” says Rebecca.
EPIC’s Community Grant will go towards buying uniforms for the U9s Tigers.
“Every child deserves to play football and have a uniform,” says Rebecca.
“We have several children at our club who have an impairment or disability, but that doesn’t stop them from getting out on the field and having fun.”
The Tigers’ Junior Umpire is an incredible testament to this. Chris was diagnosed with epilepsy after he hit his head on the floor of an indoor basketball court when he was only eight-years-old. Chris has since gone on to represent Australia in the National Karate Championships, captain the winning premiership for the Seaford U16s Yellows, and umpire all of the U9s Tigers’ games this season among other achievements.
Chris, who is currently the face of Epilepsy Australia, is determined not to let his disability stand in the way.
“Epilepsy doesn’t stop me. Just because you may have a disability, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the team; you can still go out and play sport to the best of your ability and have fun,” says Chris.
Check out the Seaford Junior Football Club website for more information on this program, and the EPIC Assist website to see the full list of Community Grant recipients.