A new program in the Hastings, the All Abilities Program, has united 14 people with disabilities and they want that number to expand as much as possible.

They group meet at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium each Friday where they play futsal and basketball, alternating each week. But futsal is the most popular amongst the players.

Mick Day from the Australian Futsal Association has a huge role in the sport on the Mid North Coast, and said this program was one he wanted to establish for some time. “It’s been about six months to get it up and going, because you need to jump through a few hoops,” he said. “I wanted to put back into the sport of futsal and the community. It’s now progressed to the point where we are getting recognition.”

Something he describes as the “highlight of my coaching week”, Day even went to a special conference where the Australian Futsal Association backed the program.

“Many others states are now starting the same programs and leagues which is wonderful to hear,” he said.

“We are going to be able to aid the other states in getting this going for them.”

There is no where for people with disabilities to go and play sport in the Hastings, but the program now makes that a possibility – and the players are embracing it.

“We have around 15 people now but we want to expand that to three or four courts,” Day said.

“The feedback has been really positive from the community and organisations, to the point where Australian Futsal want to make it a division in the national championships in January.”

That is an amazing backing for a program barely off the ground. It means Port Macquarie could be taking this group of sportspeople with disabilities down to compete at the national championships.

“It will also be fully funded, so it’s a free program,” Day said. “Clay from the indoor stadium donates the court time for us and we have a lot of help and volunteers.”

For further information you can contact Mick Day by e-mail: mick@australianfutsal.com or phone Chris on 0422 130 017.