RB018_PEBBLE_RIGHT-Cropped-Image-Shape_Matthew (1)

Matthew

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11-year-old Matthew Wilson is proof that determination and passion can set you on the right track to play Professional Para Football.

Matthew, like many kids his age, enjoys watching sport and has taken a liking to trying whatever he can.

Recently Matthew was a ball boy at the Para Football games, an amazing opportunity for him to be involved firsthand in Para Football and have front row seats to the game.

Matthew also represented WA’s Intellectual Disability team playing in the curtain raiser game to the Para Football Final.

Lead Support Worker, Craig Johnston said Matthew has a passion for the sport and getting involved.

“Matthew is passionate about his football, he regularly talks about his games and often spends time at our Mandurah Social Groups outside with a football working on his skills.”

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Matthew’s mum Nicole, says that volunteering at the Para Football game was an amazing opportunity for him to be involved in a high-level soccer game, where he could volunteer in a new environment surrounded by great players and get out into the community.

“Sport has had many positive effects on him, he has a willingness to try his best and give everything a go” says Nicole.

Nicole says that he has made amazing progress over his time accessing Occupational Therapy and other services with Rocky Bay.

“At one stage he wasn’t even able to sit up like he is now (with his legs raised and straight posture), he had no muscle strength. Now he can play soccer and socialise with others.”

How we helped

Nicole, says he is progressing very fast towards independence, skills that he has learnt through his time at the hub and has deepened through his involvement in sport.

“He used to have trouble at the start going to independent one-on-one support.

Now the other kids and the social aspect benefits him.

For nearly 3 years it has given him the extra social skills and he has the confidence to go straight up to someone and introduce himself to them.”

Nicole says “I want the best for him like any mum, I want to watch him keep progressing with Rocky Bay and to see how much he grows. Everyone that we’ve worked with have really become a part of the family and that’s how we all treat each other.”

A few words

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“I like going there (to the hub), playing games especially basketball.”

- Matthew

Matthew stands with his brother and Magenta on the Football field. They are wearing white football future shirts.

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