A community grant has helped a Wyndham sports club enjoy a successful cricket season.
The Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club (WAAFCC), which provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to take part in football and cricket competitions, placed fifth in its league competition and second in a 10-over tonk competition.
The club has just kicked off its Football Integration Development Association season.
Club vice-president Rhonda Templeton said a $1000 grant through the Cedar Woods Neighbourhood Grants Scheme helped the club buy new cricket gear.
“We rely on community initiatives such as this grant as we have no major sponsors,” she said. “Playing football or cricket gives our players a real sense of belonging and friendship, which is something that they may not be able to find elsewhere. The experience allows the players the same freedom and independence as their brothers and sisters.”
The club, which has been running for 22 years, has about 50 members aged between 14 and 45 and was the first disability sports club in the western suburbs.
Ms Templeton praised the work of president Paul Barrett, who is also the club’s senior coach in both cricket and football.
“He puts 110 per cent in, and the boys all love him,” she said.
