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Football: kick a check side from the pocket and/or shoot from less than 45 degrees out

 

Aussie rules football is part of our national sporting identity and is a diverse and inclusive sport with a range of options for all abilities. AFL is a great team sport with skills such as marking, handballing, kicking, defending and many others depending on what version of the game you are playing.

 

 

AUSKICK

Children can participate in Auskick until they are 12. It involves weekly sessions where kids explore the world of AFL, building football skills and playing in a safe and fun setting.x

 

 

 

AllPlay

AllPlay has practical tips and strategies, footy stories and videos for coaches, clubs, health professionals, parents and players of all abilities. The strategies have been developed using the best available evidence and by talking to people in the community, including individuals with disability, families, coaches, and health professionals.

 

 

 

AFL Community

AFL Community has information and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Multicultural and individuals with a disability.

 

 

 

Indigenous Inclusion

 

In 2022 for National Reconciliation Week the AFL Players Association launched an AFL Players Map that displays the language groups of 81 male and 20 AFLW players (101 in total), celebrating the cultural diversity of both competitions. There are 73 language/cultural groups represented across the map including players from Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Narangga and Adnyamathanha country. 

 

The AFL also has a range of Indigenous Programs as well as the Sir Doug Nicholls Round as where we celebrate the contribution of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribution to our game. Check out behind the scenes of the Richmond Tigers performing the Laguntas Dance as part of Dreamtime at the MCG.  

 

Some Indigenous legends of our game include Eddie Betts (highlights), Michael Long (highlights), Nikki Windmar (highlights), Gavin Wanganeen (highlights) Andrew Mcloud (highlights), and Adam Goodes (highlights). 

 

 

 

AFL Wheelchair

Wheelchair Aussies Rules was created in partnership between Disability Sports Australia and the Australian Defence Force, to provide footballers with or without a disability the opportunity to play a competitive game of football. Disability Sports Australia as the governing body, host the National Wheelchair Championships with the support of the AFL.

 

Check out how wheelchair football has impacted Yasmina’s life along with the inspiring Jude – another AFL Wheelchair Athlete.

 

 

 

AFL Blind

AFL Blind is a newly adapted version of Australian Rules football which enables people with blindness or low vision, through modifications to equipment and rules, to play AFL.

 

There are some great AFL Blind athletes who have talked about why footy is important to them. Check out what Bridget and Jason have to say.

 

 

 

AFLW

In 2017 the AFL Woman’s league was established and it was an important turning point for the sport as it began an important pathway towards inclusion.

 

Check out some of the contenders for goal of the year.

 

 

 

AFL Men’s

The Men’s AFL has been a much-loved sport for over a century and continues to grow in supporters and programs that stretch across the entire country. For some there are few bigger days than the AFL Grand Final in September.

 

One of the greats in AFL is Eddie Betts who was a master of kicking goals from pockets and from any near goal – check these highlights.

 

 

 

AFL Max

AFL Max is an immersive footy skill and entertainment centre. The state-of-the-art facility brings together the latest technology and traditional skills development for players and fans of all ages.

 

 

 

SANFL

The SANFL has both a male and female league and great junior competition. Watching local footy is such a great way to spend a weekend and aspiring to play at a professional level is a dream worth working hard for.

 

 

 

Adelaide Football League

Find your local football club and check out what options they have to compete and play.

 

 

 

Other Resources

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Basketball: complete a layup from both sides of the ring or complete a reverse layup.

 

Basketball is a globally recognised sport and can be played in the backyard, at school the local park or as part of a club. There are many skills that form part of the game including shooting, dribbling, defence, rebounding and passing.

 

 

Basketball SA

Basketball South Australia is the one-stop shop for basketball leagues in SA:

 

 

 

Female Participation (Basketball SA)

Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy uses a collaborative approach to engage females in the sport of basketball, and develop increased confidence, community spirit and leadership skills. The things they offer include:

 

 

 

First Nations

A key part of Basketball SA acknowledging First Nation players is the 2022 NBL1 Central First Nations Athlete map created by South Australian, First Nations Athlete, Renai Fejo. The map recognises First Nation Athletes in the NBL1 Central Conference. Each year NAIDOC Week is celebrated. In 2022 several First Nation athletes discussed what NAIDOC week meant to them.

 

One of Australia’s most inspiring and well-respected athletes is Patty Mills – a Muralag man from the Torres Strait and Ynunga man from South Australia. Patty is a National Basketball Association (NBA) Champion and a four-time Olympian (the first Indigenous player to represent Australian Men’s Basketball at four consecutive Olympic Games). He is a role model for many and has made significant contributions towards reconciliation as well as founding the Team Mills Foundation. Check out a glimpse into his story.

 

 

South Australian Wheelchair Basketball Association (SAWBA)

SAWBA promotes and supports the sport of wheelchair basketball for South Australians from junior and social programs through to elite team in the National Wheelchair Basketball League, affiliated with Basketball SA.

 

 

 

Inclusive Basketball Program (IBP)

The IBP is a basketball competition that provides playing and training opportunities for players with an intellectual disability or integration difficulty. The IBP also provides opportunities for more experienced and skilled players to compete at local District level and at National Level at the Ivor Burge Championships.

 

Who is the Inclusive Basketball Program for? 

  • Males and females
  • Open age (over 12 years old)
  • Beginners or more advanced/experienced players
  • People with an intellectual or physical disability
  • People with learning and integration difficulties

 

 

 

Adelaide Community Basketball Association (ACBA)

The ACBA provides information about basketball competitions, leagues and training programs for all and ages and skill levels in the Adelaide region. Programs include Aussie Hoop Training Program for 5 to 10 yr olds and domestic competitions (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18).

 

 

 

SA Country Basketball Council (SACBCI)

The SACBCI is responsible for the development and support of all basketball activities in the South Australian country zone and have great junior league.

 

 

 

Other Resources

 

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Cricket: hit a boundary

 

Cricket is long-loved sport in Australia and across the world. So many Australians look forward to the summer of cricket. Cricket is a very inclusive sport with opportunities for all. As a great team sport there are some great skills to explore such as batting, bowling, catching, and fielding.

 

 

Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia is the national governing body for the game of cricket in Australia and has a number diversity and inclusion initiatives associated with:

 

 

 

South Australian Cricket Association (SACA)

The SACA coordinates international and domestic cricket matches, coaching and development programs for boys and girls, umpiring and ground management. It also administers high-performance cricket in SA, including the West End Redbacks, SA Scorpions and Adelaide Strikers men’s and women’s teams.

 

SACA also provides extensive opportunities for learning and playing cricket including:

 

 

 

Women and Girls’ Cricket

There are many opportunities and pathways for girls to be involved in cricket for all levels aged from 5 upwards. The SA Scorpions are the elite women’s team in SA who compete across Australia along with the Adelaide Strikers women’s team. Our international team is the Australian Women’s Cricket Team. Find local opportunities for girls cricket here.

 

 

 

Aboriginal Cricket

SACA along with the Aboriginal Cricket Advisory Committee SA provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to be involved with cricket in SA. For example, they have identified pathways for Aboriginal cricketers, have Aboriginal cricket carnivals, host the annual National Indigenous Cricket Championships, and offer Aboriginal scholarships.

 

 

 

Multicultural Cricket

The Multicultural Cricket Advisory Committee of South Australia (MCACSA) looks at enhancing the involvement of people at all levels in cricket with a number of programs to support community and culture in cricket.

 

 

 

Cricket for People Living with a Disability

The SACA works with leading disability organisations in South Australia to provide a range of opportunities for players living with disability and is committed to providing accessible options for all players and supporters.

 

They currently offer:

  • Blind Cricket through Blind Cricket SA (check out these highlights)
  • Table Cricket
  • Entry Level Programs – for children aged 5 to 16
  • Indoor Cricket

 

SACA sends the following teams away to compete, as well as providing coaches, team managers and mentors to assist:

  • Aboriginal Women and Men
  • Blind and Vision Impaired
  • Cricketers with an Intellectual Disability
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women and Men

 

Take a look at what it’s like in the day in the life of an Australian Blind Cricketer.

 

 

 

Blind Cricket South Australia

Blind Cricket South Australia (BCSA) was formed in 1958 with a proud history of fostering the game of blind cricket. The club’s season begins in October and concludes at the end of March, with programs running for both junior and adult players.

 

 

 

Indoor Cricket

Indoor Cricket is a fun and fast-paced form of the game that can be played all year round. Every player gets to bat, bowl and field regardless of skill level.

 

Across SA there are several state representative teams that include urban, rural, Aboriginal, individuals with disability, and men and woman’s teams. There are several opportunities to get involved including:

 

 

The McGrath Foundation

The McGrath Foundation was founded by one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers of all time – Glen McGrath. The foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia in memory of Jane McGrath. Every year the Sydney Cricket Ground turns pink as part of the Domain Pink Test with Day 3 named Jane McGrath Day and raises money for the Foundation.

 

 

 

Other Resources

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Soccer: successfully shoot top corner of the goal from a dribble.

 

Soccer is a global team sport and great for developing all around movement skills such as kicking, running, jumping, throwing, catching, hopping, skipping, and dodging.

 

 

Football SA

Football SA is the governing body of soccer in SA and they want everyone to have access to football, whether you live in the city or in a regional area of our state.

 

 

 

MiniRoos

A great initiative for boys and girls, aged 4-11 years old to get involved in soccer. It is an introductory Kick-Off program designed for new players with weekly 45 min sessions aimed at building skills through games and simple drills.  A great way to make new friends, develop social skills, teamwork, co-operation, fair play, and respect for others. Check out he MiniRoos parent pack.

 

 

 

MiniRoos Club Football

The home of Australia’s largest network of grassroots football clubs providing opoprtunities for boys and girls of all abilities aged between 5-11 to play small sided games with modified rules at the weekend.

 

 

 

MiniRoos Kick-Off for Girls Programs

This program is the perfect introduction to soccer and begin involvement in a sport that keeps girls active and engaged with the opportunity to build confidence and skills until they feel ready to take that next step and join a team or competition.

 

 

 

Football SA Futsal

Futsal is a high-intensity, fast-paced, dynamic and fun 5-a-side version of football for boys and girls.  Played indoors, on a smaller court, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It uses a smaller ball and smaller goals making it very exciting. There are competitions, associations, carnivals and Academies located throughout SA.

 

 

 

Soccajoeys

Soccajoeys run Non-Competitive Kids’ Soccer Classes For Children Aged 2.5 to 11 years all over Australia. The program helps children develop valuable life skills such as active movement, play and social interaction. There are fun, inclusive and dynamic kids soccer classes.

 

It offers programs for:

 

 

 

Little Kickers

A worldwide Preschool football program combining football skills with preschool learning concepts such as colours, number recognition, sharing, following instructions, imagination and fun.  Four different classes are offered:

 

 

 

Resilient Kicks

Is an inclusive small-group football program offering children of all skill levels, the opportunity to be part of an inclusive soccer group. It helps build skills in children and young adults and fosters self-value, resilience and social inclusion.  Proven to be a beneficial initiative for those with a disability, developmental delays and emotional regulation challenges.

 

 

 

Inclusive Football SA

In 2016, the founders of One Culture Football, Josh Smith and Nader Ibrahim, recognised that not all groups in the SA community had access to mainstream sports and so began an inclusive football program and has become a registered NDIS disability provider in SA and NSW. It is open to all ages and abilities across 6 different venues in Adelaide. The program focuses on football (soccer) but also on health and wellbeing, motor skills, confidence and self-esteem and aims to cultivate an environment where everyone feels comfortable taking part and having fun in an inclusive sports program.

 

 

 

Blind Soccer (Blind Sports SA)

Blind soccer (B1) is an internationally recognised sport at the Paralympics, played outdoors by athletes who are blind or partially vision impaired 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. Check out this information sheet by Paralympics Australia. You can also see the Australian Blind Football Handbook. 

 

 

 

Powerchair Football Program

SA Powerchair Football Championship run by One Culture, offers an opportunity for people who utilise a power wheelchair for daily mobility to join this competition.  Inclusive of all disabilities and open to all ages, gender and diverse backgrounds – it can be enjoyed by a range of people with different levels of movement.  It is fun, dynamic and offers a range of skills for players.

 

 

 

Other Resources

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Netball: be able to play all positions.

 

Netball is the number one team sport for women and girls in SA – skills include hand-eye coordination with passing, catching and shooting techniques, footwork fundamentals and attacking and defensive tactics.

 

 

Netball SA

Netball SA runs our elite team, the Adelaide Thunderbirds and our Premier League which involves eight clubs in Adelaide. Netball SA is the peak body for netball across the state and offers many opportunities to be involved with netball.   

 

 

 

Net Set Go

An official starter program for 5-10 year old girls and boys to learn the basics of netball for the first time, learn some skills and have fun.  Offered at Clubs and Schools around the State, this is a great introduction to Netball. Age brackets include: 

 

  • Net – 5-6 year olds (basic movement skills) 
  • Set – 7-8 year olds  (matches sand light passing) 
  • Go – 9-10 year olds  (matches and more advanced drills) 

 

 

 

Club Netball (11 to 17 year olds)

Club Netball is the first taste of competitive netball and a good way to sharpen skills, make friends, and learn from experienced coaches. Participation spans across a full season as part of a team. Club netball is played in most areas around the state. Clubs have upcoming trials or are looking for players. 

 

 

 

Thunder Cup

An after-school competition run by Netball SA for boys and girls in Years 3-8.  It’s run during Terms 1, 2 and 3 and aims to give students an opportunity to enjoy netball by focusing on participation, sportsmanship and fun. Three divisions, Yrs 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 and held at Netball SA.

 

 

 

School Holiday Clinics

Clinics provide an opportunity to hone skills of budding netballers and enjoy some fun and activity in the school holidays.  They’re interactive and vary according to the age and skills of players.  All aspects of the game are covered in a fun and inclusive environment.  Clinics are provided for age-specific; boys; and all abilities. 

 

 

 

ASouth Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (SAMMNA)

The SAMMNA has joined with Netball SA to run a weekly summer season for boys and mixed players aged 12-15 years old (Junior Boys M League) along with other age categories.  

 

 

 

First Nations Netball Clinics

Netball SA deliver training and skills sessions to regional communities across the state, encouraging participation and development in our First Nations netball community. 

 

 

 

Other Resources and Opportunities

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Swimming: master the butterfly stroke or a stroke you find challenging.

 

Swimming is not just a sport, it’s a recreational pursuit and an important life skill. Australia has produced some of the world’s best swimmers like Ian Thorpe, Kieren Perkins, Ariarne Titmus, William Martin (Paralympic champion), Lakeisha Patterson (Paralympic champion), Emma McKeon and Kyle Chalmers.

 

Swimming is the most popular Paralympic sport in Australia. Swimming has many health benefits from improvements in posture, core strength, lung capacity, stress, and confidence through to better brain function and sleep.

 

 

Swimming SA

Swimming SA is the peak body for competitive swimming in SA that offers a membership to access all facets of club swimming from squad training, club meets, social events and competition (if you’re not sure, you can start with a Free 30 day trial membership).  

 

If you’re ready to join a Club, Swimming SA can help you find the club for you. 

 

 

 

State Swimming Schools SA

State Swim has been providing aquatic education in SA for 50 years, promoting water safety and technical skills as an achievable learning outcome for everybody.  They are one of the largest indoor swimming school organisations in Australia. 

 

Some of the programs they offer include:  

 

  • Swim & Play for 6 months to 4 years.
  • 400 Gold for 4 years + (8 stage program. Skill based and incentivised with Certificates and Awards with the ultimate goal being to swim 400 metres non-stop).
  • Health & Sport Swimming Programs (progression from 400 + can join Squads/Teams that move three progressive levels, Team Bronze, Team Silver and Team Gold). 
  • Super Swims (swimmers in 400 Gold or Team programs can participate in Super Swim time trials – a great way to test out competitive swimming pathways. 
  • Interschool Carnivals are held twice per year where swimmers compete against other State Swim Schools – just like a Mini Olympics! 
  • SwimVac: School Holiday Swimming An intensive school holiday program designed to help swimmers advance quickly with skill development and confidence.

 

 

 

Multiclass (MC) Swimming for people with a disability

Swimmers with a disability can compete at an elite level too.  Multiclass (MC) swimming provides meaningful competition which is supported by Swimming Australia.  

 

 

 

Rapidswim Aquatic Therapy

Rapidswim Aquatic Therapy offers water-based therapy to improve areas that impact the everyday functioning for people with disabilities.  1:1 Aquatic therapy sessions are provided with a qualified therapist utilising best practice techniques to assist children with special needs such as the use of visual communication systems, support at times of transition and recognition and support to assist with sensory and motor dysfunction.

 

 

 

Para-swimming

Para-swimming is practised internationally by athletes in nearly 100 countries and has featured in every Paralympic Games. For a better understanding of Para-swimming info sheet check out the Para-swimming information sheet and this short video.  

 

 

 

Inclusive Swimming

One Culture provides a disability Swimming Program open to all ages and abilities in Adelaide.  The program has a strong focus on water safety and enjoyment, but will also help with self-confidence, gross motor skills, health and wellbeing. 30 or 60 mins sessions are offered with experienced AUSTSWIM instructors with NDIS worker training.  Currently, this program is not suitable for vision-impaired or wheelchair participants. 

 

 

Other Resources

  • AUSTSWIM (Australia’s national organisation for the teaching of Swimming and Water Safety).
  • VacSwim South Australia’s ICONIC government-funded and endorsed holiday swimming initiative.  
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Tennis: have a rally using forehand and backhand.

 

Tennis as a sport is not only great fun to learn but is a great social game with tennis clubs and courts everywhere in our communities. It is great for developing coordination, speed, strength and agility.

 

 

Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia is the governing body for Tennis in Australia and oversees tournaments – the biggest one by far is the Australian Open, and offers a plethora of resources and information for participation for all abilities and communities across Australia. 

 

 

 

Tennis SA

Tennis SA is the governing body for tennis in SA.  They promote the game of tennis and provide support to Clubs and Courts to ensure they are accessible and inclusive for all. Tennis SA provides connections to Clubs and Coaches (or you can join Tennis SA direct). 

 

Programs and opportunities they offer include:  

 

 

 

 

Court Hire

There are tennis courts in most local communities. ‘Play Tennis’ has an online directory of all the courts that can be hired in or around your local community. 

 

 

 

Ballkids (Tennis SA)

Children aged 12-17 can be part of a Ballkid Squad and play an integral role in helping tennis tournaments run smoothly. No experience necessary, but training is required. 

 

 

 

Indigenous Opportunities 

Tennis Australia in conjunction with its Member Associations wants to continue to provide more accessibility and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to participate and engage in tennis through educating clubs and coaches, enhancing talent identification, providing pathway opportunities, creating more playing opportunities through community events and tournaments and providing funding for Indigenous tennis programs, equipment and coaches.

 

One of the great initiatives includes The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (including 12&U, 14&U, and 18&U) which Ash Barty is an Ambassador for. Ash is one of Australia’s most adored sporting figures and took out the Young Australian of the year in 2020. The Carnival is in partnership with the Evonne Goolagong Foundation. Evonne Goolagong is a legend of the game and does incredible things through her foundation that aims to provide as many Indigenous children the opportunity to be the best they can be. She was named Australian of the Year in 1971.  

 

Check out the inspiring and heart-warming tennis coach, storyteller and teacher of culture Alfred Coolwell who makes an enormous difference to the people coaches.  

 

You can read Tennis SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan here.  

 

 

 

Blind and Low Vision Tennis

Tennis South Australia is committed to providing opportunities to play for all participants, including those who are Blind and Vision Impaired. Modified equipment such as tactile lines, smaller racquets, balls with a bell and smaller court dimensions are utilised in Blind Tennis to ensure participants can engage in the game of tennis. A key part of South Australia’s opportunities are derived from the relationship between South Australian School for Vision Impaired and Tennis SA. The South Australian School for Vision Impaired won the award for Most Outstanding School in 2020 on the back of their strong program and links to Somerton Park Tennis Club. 

 

 

 

Intellectual Disability Tennis

Tennis Australia and Tennis SA are committed to embracing diversity by ensuring tennis is welcoming, safe and inclusive for everyone. Inclusion is about providing choices for people to participate in sport in a way that they feel comfortable. As well as mainstream tennis opportunities, there are a variety of initiatives that people with an intellectual disability or autism can choose to participate in. 

 

There are a range of opportunities from participation through to elite competitive pathways that include: 

  • Down Syndrome come and try days 
  • PWII come and try days 
  • Talent Development identification sessions 
  • PWII National Tournaments 
  • PWII State Squads 
  • Australian Tennis Championships 
  • Virtus World Tennis Championships 
  • Global Games 
  • Special Olympics 

 

 

 

Inclusive Tennis (One Culture)

One Culture offers a disability Tennis Program open to all ages and abilities in Adelaide.  Even if you’ve never hit a ball before, but would like a go, you are welcome to join in.  The program is about making everyone feel comfortable and focuses not only on tennis but on health, wellbeing, motor skills, confidence and self-esteem.  Currently, this is not suitable for wheelchair or vision-impaired participants.  

 

 

Wheelchair Tennis

Tennis Australia provides a great overview of opportunities and pathways for wheelchair tennis as well as a wheelchair loan program.  

 

One of the icons of global tennis is our very own Dylan Alcott who has changed the face of tennis through his fierce advocacy for inclusion not just in the game of tennis but in the community. He is an inspiring human and has started the Dylan Alcott Foundation – a charitable organisation with the core purpose of helping young Australians with disabilities gain confidence, fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams by eliminating the barriers of entry to get involved in sport and study through mentoring, grants and scholarships. Check out this short video featuring Dylan; “Paralympic Sport Changed My Life“. 

 

 

 

Other Resources

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Rugby: complete a two handed carry before the defensive line.

 

Played all over the world, rugby is a demanding sport with many social and health benefits. Classified as a territorial invasion game, where the team in possession, advances the ball forward with the main objective of scoring a ‘try’. It is a physical team sport and players should learn how to play safely so it can be enjoyed by all.

 

There are three ways to play Rugby:

 

  • Rugby XV’s (15 a-side traditional rugby)
  • Rugby 7’s (played in clubs and schools)
  • Touch 7’s (non-contact)

 

 

Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia is the National Governing body of rugby in Australia. Our National Teams are the Wallabies (men’s) and the Wallaroos (women’s). We also have our Rugby 7’s teams – the women’s and men’s squad. The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), formed in 2012, is the governing body for Rugby League in Australia (the National Rugby League). It has responsibility for funding the game at all levels and helping the game to grow and foster both in Australia and internationally. It has men’s and woman’s leagues. We also have our Indigenous All Stars (men and women).  

 

 

 

Rugby Union SA

Rugby Union SA promotes the growth of Rugby Union in SA. There are 13 Rugby Union Clubs in SA, 10 have Junior Sides.  

 

Junior Rugby consists of U6-U10 and U12-U18 for both girls and boys.  

 

 

 

First Nations Rugby

The Australian Rugby Foundation supports the inaugural #dreamBigTime program that aims to act as a vehicle for social change, strengthening engagement and connection with First Nations people through Rugby. The program launched in 2019 with a series of tours engaging with over 2,000 First Nation’s Peoples between the ages of 14-25, covering 22,000kms and visiting 83 towns throughout the east & west coasts and centre of Australia.  

 

The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team – or ‘Lloydies’ was founded more than 20 years ago with a mission to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in Rugby. The Lloydies has also established strong youth sevens rugby programs, which includes a nationally competitive women’s and men’s national teams, a schoolgirls development camp in Alice Springs, men’s touring teams and a local club – The Eora Warriors for disadvantaged U8s and U12s based out of the NCIE in Redfern. 

 

One of the absolute greats of the game is Johnathan Thurstons- check out some of his highlights.  And local star now playing interstate is Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Kaurna-Narungga).  

 

 

 

Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair Rugby is a Paralympic sport. It is an intense, contact team sport played by males and females in eight-minute quarters. Check out an overview of the game. It first appeared at the Paralympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. It became an official medal-awarding sport at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and has since become one of the world’s most exciting and popular Para-sports. Our National team is the Steelers. 

 

The Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) is the organisation responsible for the development and growth of the sport of wheelchair rugby in Australia. WRA is dedicated to providing athletes with a disability the opportunity to participate and excel in wheelchair rugby from grassroots to international competition.  

 

In SA the local wheelchair rugby team in the SA is the SA Sharks.  

 

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Volleyball: try an overarm serve.

 

Volleyball was invented in 1895 and has been played across Australia since the 1920’s becoming an Olympic sport in 1964 and Beach Volleyball in 1992. Volleyball has many benefits for overall health and wellbeing as it’s active, social, and builds our aerobic capacity.

 

 

Volleyball SA

Volleyball SA is our premier Volleyball organisation that wants more people to discover and enjoy the sport of Volleyball in SA.  There are opportunities for all ages to get involved across the state competitively, socially, or as part of Volleyball Clinics offered every school holidays. 

 

 

 

Beach Volleyball (Volleyball SA)

Beach Volleyball can be for fun or as part of a competition. One of the sports icons of the game is Taliqua Clancy a proud Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng woman from Kingaroy and the first Indigenous Australian volleyball player to represent Australia at the Olympics. Another well-known beach volleyball athlete is Mariafe Artacho del Solar who migrated from Peru at age 11. Both girls started out as Juniors and ended up representing Australia at the 2022 Olympics in Tokyo. 

 

Volleyball SA offers a range of opportunities to get involved.

 

 

 

Junior Beach Volleyball (Volleyball SA)

Available for anyone under 19 years of age. 8-13 year old’s can start out with Entry-level Kids Volley, a Mini Volley modified version of 4-a-side volleyball. 

 

If you’re looking for competition Volleyball, the SA Beach Volleyball Series offers competition for Junior Beachies every second Saturday through summer.  You can play 1, 2, 3 or all rounds.  It’s a competition, but commitment free without the need to commit to the entire season, just play the events you want. 

 

 

 

Training Sessions (Volleyball SA)

Aimed at beginners and lower-grade players who want to improve their volleyball skills.  A 45-minute session on skills with an experienced coach will be followed by unstructured gameplay to put practice into action. 

 

 

 

Summer Junior League (Volleyball SA)

A recreational style season-long indoor volleyball competition open to Club, School and social teams, played over the summer months in Terms 1 and 4. 

 

 

 

Competition Volleyball (Volleyball SA)

The SA Volleyball League (SAVL) – Junior Divisions is the premier youth volleyball competition in SA.  Players of all levels can represent their Club or School on a weekly basis.  Open to anyone under the age of 19.  

 

 

 

Spikezone

Spikezone is Volleyball Australia’s entry-level Volleyball program for kids aged between 5-13 years. There are Learn to Play courses and competition activities using modified equipment and rules to ensure it’s fun, active, skill-based and team centred.  Run through School terms, they’re offered at Spikezone Centres.  There are five Centres in metro Adelaide.   

 

 

 

Sitting Volleyball

An inclusive option for every ability, Sitting Volleyball is played indoors, on a small court and lower net, players move around the court in a seated position on the floor.  It gives everyone the opportunity to play for a bit of fun and exercise or to aspire to participate at a future Paralympics. If you can sit on the floor unaided, move at least one arm, can slide around the floor and can catch and throw a ball, you can play Sitting Volleyball.

 

Two other disciples of volleyball for athletes with a physical disability: are deaf and standing beach volleyball.

 

Deaf volleyball is played by athletes with a hearing impairment and standing Beach volleyball is played by athletes with milder impairments, who are able to stand, run and lunge without assistance. 

 

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Gymnastics: complete a handstand against a wall or with a partner and/or complete a single balance using your hands, knees, feet or attempt a partner balance.

 

Gymnastics has many benefits including building strength, flexibility and power, developing posture and body movement, builds creativity and self-confidence, challenges the mind and encourages fun, fitness, and friendship.

Gymnastics is an inclusive sport offers opportunities for all abilities.

 

 

Gymnastics Australia

Gymnastics Australia (GA) is the national governing body for gymnastics within Australia. Established in 1949, Gymnastics Australia’s mission is to promote, develop and grow gymnastics for the enjoyment of all. 

Derived GymSports, Gymnastics Australia have seven dedicated types of gymnastics:  

 

  • Aerobic gymnastics - Fast and dynamic, individual or groups showing strength, agility and flexibility 
  • Acrobatic gymnastics - Balances, throws and teamwork combined into spectacular routines 

 

Gymnastics SA

Gymnastics South Australia Incorporated is the peak body for Gymnastics in South Australia and is affiliated with Gymnastics Australia. Gymnastics South Australia is a not-for-profit association, comprising affiliated clubs, life members, registered athletes and technical members (coaches and judges). 

Gymnastics South Australia embraces seven GymSports, they are: 

Find your nearest Club here. 

 

 

 

Gymnastics for All

Gymnastics coaches are trained to adapt movements to suit everyone’s needs; if you’re looking for something more specialised, Gymnastic Australia’s GymAbility program offers more specific programs to suit all levels of physical and mental ability. 

 GymAbility is an umbrella brand for all initiatives within Gymnastics Australia, State Association members and clubs that seek to include people with disabilities in any capacity within gymnastics, including as an athlete, coach, judge, volunteer or other. 

GymAbility’s inclusive programs and resources offered by Gymnastics Australia may include: 

 

Other Resources

  • Check out Aboriginal role model and National Gymnastics Champion Mikayla George  
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