There is a whole lot more to accomplish than just a premiership defence for Williamstown in division 1 of FIDA Football this season.
Of course, the Seagulls want to go back-to-back after tasting the exhilaration of a stunning comeback win over Kananook in last year’s grand final, but they don’t want to do it at the expense of the club’s values.
The idea behind FIDA (Football Integration Development Association) is to provide a league for players with intellectual disabilities.
The Seagulls have a number of players involved in mainstream competitions, but those most capable of playing in local football leagues will be the last picked on this team.
“Our focus is to make sure the least able, the least experienced players get a game of footy,” coach Rob Klemm told Star Weekly.
“The player who is the least able to play footy is the one the competition exists for.
“Everyone takes playing footy for granted growing up, but these kids don’t get those chances because it takes them longer to understand the game, it takes them longer to fit in, it takes them longer to develop their skills.”
It has been a stop-start opening to the season for Williamstown. The first round grand final rematch with Kananook on April 12 was called off just before three-quarter time at Fearon Reserve after one of the Kananook players broke his leg.
The Seagulls were leading by 14 points and were awarded the match. They have not played since, as they had a bye in round two and games in this competition are every two weeks.
They return to the field on Sunday, against Ringwood at Jubilee Park, and they can’t wait.
Klemm’s satisfaction in coaching the Seagulls is not always measured in wins and losses.
It’s the smiles after a goal and the glances to proud parents on the sidelines that make his efforts worthwhile.
“The best thing is to see a young guy get his first kick or his first mark,” Klemm said.
“They’re special and really powerful moments for parents, families and fathers in particular, who never thought their sons would play in a footy comp. I’ve seen tears in fathers’ eyes.”
The Seagulls are lucky to have massive support from the local community. They have a host of sponsors who see the important role the club is playing in the community and are a valued member of the Football Williamstown partnership.
“It was Football Williamstown that created the initiative to set up a FIDA team here,” Klemm said.
“What’s been really powerful for us has been the link with the Williamstown Super Rules.
“Half a dozen Super Rules players come down on Wednesday nights and run all the training sessions, teaching kids skills at the appropriate level.
“There’s collegiate support between CYs (Williamstown CYMS), FIDA and Super Rules in particular, but also the VFL team, and we’re starting to develop connections with Willy Juniors and Auskick.
“In other FIDA clubs, one person organises everything, does all the work and keeps it running, but when that person steps back the club often folds because there’s nobody else. In our case we’re laying the groundwork for people to take over so there’s ongoing commitment.”
For an insight into what it means for the FIDA footballers to pull on the Seagulls jumper, check out the YouTube video titled ‘Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club: Road to the Grand Final’.
The short film by Mark Hellinger and Jesse Maskell documents the lead-up to the Seagulls’ premiership last season.
