South Australian Paralympic Football

South Australian Paralympic Football

Having spent two days in Adelaide at the Paralympic Football Development Camp one thing is apparent: The South Australians don’t do things by halves. It seems to be ‘all in what- ever it takes’.  This philosophy comes from the top from John Mundy, South Australian Football Technical Director and the same attitude is inherent in Cathy Lambert from the Australian Paralympic Committee and Jonathan Ruse, South Australian State Coach. It is for this reason that South Australia will go from strength to strength in this brand of football. 

John Mundy & Cathy Lambert

It is obvious from the outset that the partnership between John, Cathy and Jonathan is a positive one. Cathy and John drive the program with funding and organisational issues and Jonathan Ruse does the coaching and player preparation.  The amazing thing is that the South Australian Football Federation (FFSA) is fully committed to Paralympic Football. “We treat this State team just like any other and I appointed one of our State Coaches to Coach and give more kudos to the program” John Mundy said.

The camp is very professionally run with two sessions a day including matches against the Australian Special Olympic Football side. All players have matching gear, equipment supplied by FFSA and the training ground at Westminster College is second to none. Most importantly, Cathy Lambert (APC) takes care of the funding by applying for grants to support the program.

                                                                                                                   Jonathan Ruse SA Head Coach

The junior players are smiling and there is improvement and technical change in behaviour. Most importantly Jonathan’s style of coaching is relaxed and likeable. The players appreciate his quiet, strong manner and enthusiasm.

                                        South Australian State Team Rep Players

There is an excitement in the air with the Nationals being held in Adelaide from the 12-15^th of April. Jonathan plans to train his State players each week with practice matches each weekend leading up to the tournament. One thing is for sure the other states will not be playing the same outfit they played at last year’s Nationals.  They may not win the Gold Medal against NSW and QLD this year, but with the fortitude and strength of character that the people have running the program it will not be long before they do.