About Able2 | footyforall

Able2 Football was an initiative started by SportZone in conjunction with Idea Services (Lower Hutt) back in early 2010. The aim was to provide a fun filled football game for an hour, once a week, for the Intellectually Disabled. The first few games were run on McEwan Park in Petone and included 10 -15 particiapants from Idea Services bases around the Hutt Valley. Due to problems with weather cancelations and growing numbers of participants, the Old Boys Marist Rugby Club was approached for the use of their indoor training venue in the Hutt Rec Ground. The venue was offered free and in mid 2010 Able2 Football played their first game in the indoor facility.

As the numbers increased and the word spread of the fun experienced by the participants, Idea Services clients in Wellington requested the opportunity to play as well. So early in 2011 Wellington Cricket was approached for the use of their indoor nets turf area underneath the main stand at the Basin Reserve. Kindly they agreed and the venue was offered at a discount.

During 2011/12 the Able2 Football also worked with Sport Wellington by providing an Able2 programme for college students playing under their Adaptive Football programme. Able2 Football also worked with Sport Wellington and the Halberg Trust to provide a "Have a Go Day" for the ID clients working with Sport Wellington.

Currently 30-40 participants play per week over the 2 venues running, and the hope is that with sponsorship FACT may be able to open more venues around the Wellington Region and other parts of the country. Fact also hopes to expand the opportunities that the existing participants have to play and enjoy their experience of football.

About Able2