A sporting chance

Reclink are launching a football program. Pic Marco De Luca

By Ewen McRae

Giving everyone the opportunity to play sport is one of the main drivers for Reclink, and its football program is doing just that.

The group, which provides sporting opportunities for disadvantaged people, has launched its football program for 2019. Reclink senior sports co-ordinator Michael Walsh said Reclink played an important role in the community.

“We deliver sporting programs to vulnerable or disadvantaged members of the community, and there is a real need for something like this,” Mr Walsh said. “It’s quite a broad program, and very inclusive as well.

“The football program is for all-abilities, and we play in a structured competition with umpires etc … whether we win or lose is not as important as just bringing people together and creating a safe environment where people can improve their wellbeing and connect with others.”

The program runs on a Wednesday at Melton Recreation Reserve, with up to 60 people joining in the sessions on or off the field.

“Sport and social activity brings people together, but there’s still so many challenges where people are in and out of the program due to various reasons, so we try and provide some consistency for them,” Mr Walsh said.

Anyone interested in joining the program can contact Mr Walsh on michael.walsh@reclink.org.