All Abilities

The All Abilities Program at South Melbourne FC was founded in 2018.

The program commenced as a collaborative effort between the club and Powerchair Sports Victoria (formerly the Victorian Electric Wheelchair Sports Association). Under the guidance of then Football Director and now Club President Nicholas Maikousis and lead by powerchair footballer Craig Kilby with the club’s Media and Communications Manager Skip Fulton, the formation of the team provided the first opportunity for competitive powerchair football in Victoria.

The powerchair team would compete in the local Victorian league and in invitational events with a travelling team from South Australia. These efforts culminating in the team entering the Australian Club Championship and recording their first win on the national stage in just their first year in the sport.

In 2021 the club expanded the All Abilities Program through a strategic partnership with Australian Blind Football. Taking responsibility for blind and vision impaired teams in Melbourne, South Melbourne provides opportunities to train and compete representing their club in the National Blind Football Series and their country at the Paralympics, the Asia-Oceania Championship and the World Championship.

Powerchair Football

Powerchair football is a modified version of football (soccer) for powerchair (electric wheelchair) users. It is played on a regulation basketball court using a 33cm ball. There are two teams of four players (including the goal keeper).

South Melbourne FC has two teams and we compete in the Victorian Powerchair League which is managed by Powerchair Sports Victoria. The Victorian Powerchair League is runs from October to April each year.

The club travels to compete in the Australian Club Championships in Sydney each year.

Teams we have competed against at the recent Australian Club Championship includes Central Coast Mariners FC, Perth Glory FC, Newcastle Jets FC, North Auckland PFC, Sydney FC, Brisbane City FC, Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Adelaide United FC, Brisbane Strikers FC and Lions FC.

Blind Football

Blind Football (B1) is an internationally recognised sport played at the Paralympics. It is played outdoors by athletes who are totally blind (B1) on a 40m x 20m pitch with side kickboards and an audible ball.

There are two teams of five; four outfield players and a goalkeeper. The outfield players wear eye-shades to equal their sight and the goalkeeper can be fully or partially sighted.

The South Melbourne FC has a blind football team trains fortnightly in Albert Park from April to September. Each fortnightly session also includes a period dedicated to welcoming new and young players to introduce them to the game.

The blind football team competes in the National Blind Football Series against Brisbane Olympic FC. South Melbourne FC are currently undefeated and are the reigning Champions of the National Blind Football Series.

Players also attend National Training Camps held four times a year to earn a place in the Australian squad to compete at the Paralympics, the Asia-Oceania Championship and the World Championship.

South Melbourne FC is proud to play its part in training and developing our footballers to achieve their dreams and play for their country.

 

4 x National Champs
10 x Victorian Champs (Men)
4 x Victorian Champs (Women)

Copyright 2025, Kou Media

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Privacy Preference Center