Football players and supporters from a multitude of nationalities, cultures and backgrounds came together at Musgrave Football Club on Sunday in a unique celebration of inclusiveness and community spirit.
Keith Hunt Park played host to the second running of the Football 4 All Day, which has already grown to include eight teams from multi-cultural and indigenous backgrounds competing in a high-spirited round robin competition.
The event also embraced players with special needs as a part of Musgrave’s Inclusive Football Program, with over 20 children and young adults showing off their skills in front of a supportive crowd.
Musgrave President Michelle Shultz’ vision for the day was to bring people together through football, something she was very proud to see unfold, with the event having multiple benefits for all involved.
“This is just a brilliant day and a fantastic opportunity to have so many passionate players, coaches, families… supporters, all with massive smiles on their faces.” Michelle said.
“People might not realise the joy that football brings these players – from our special needs kids to our indigenous community and our refugee players – to have everyone sharing that joy today, it’s just infectious.
“It’s not just the physical benefits of getting out here and participating, but the social benefits of being part of this community… it’s such a great support network.”
Former Socceroo and current Gold Coast United (GCU) Captain Michael Thwaite was in attendance to take the Inclusive Team through some drills, with the GCU NPL Club also a great supporter of the vision.
“Growing up my friends and I all came from different nationalities and different backgrounds… football brought us together, just like you see here today” Michael said.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are, we are all equal and we all share this love of football.”
In the space of a year, and with the aid of Football Queensland, the Football 4 All event grew from a mere two teams in 2019, to eight this year, despite the added hurdles of Covid-19.
With Musgrave already renowned for their fantastic work in the community, the 2019 Football Queensland Community Club of the Year continue to display the type of values all grassroots clubs should aim to uphold.
Sports Gold Coast was proud to sponsor the event and can’t commend Michelle, the club, and Football Queensland highly enough for their continued work in the local community.
View all the photos at the Sports Gold Coast Facebook Page here: https://bit.ly/2FjWoaL
