Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR) is excited to announce a brand new, Australian first, Junior Wheelchair Rugby and Development Program!
Our aim is to create opportunities for juniors to play, connect and enjoy a truly accessible sport. This program is open to everyone, with a focus on individuals with disability. This unique and exciting program will seek to enhance the rich talent development pathway to the national team.
Wheelchair rugby is so unique as it is one of the few sports that people in wheelchairs play that is a contact sport - that's part of the attraction. It is important to grow the game of rugby in all its forms.
As part of our program to give opportunities for juniors to participate and compete in Wheelchair Rugby in Victoria, we are running two come and try events in July to introduce the sport to new participants.
"We are incredibly excited to be launching the Junior Wheelchair Rugby Program in Victoria, building on the success of our Protect Victorian Senior Competition." said Liz Tesone CEO of Disability Sport & Recreation.
"The program will be the first of its kind in Australia, providing a clear pathway for junior and developing players to experience a truly accessible sport, with the opportunity to progress to state and national level." said Tesone.
"Who better to inspire our next generation of Paralympians than our Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Head Coach and former Australian Steelers player himself, Andrew Harrison. Andrew will lead the program and share his wealth of knowledge to support athletes on their wheelchair rugby journey, and we hope to see many of these players wearing the green and gold in Brisbane 2032!" said Tesone.
Following the come and try events, an eight-week training program will be delivered by two time Paralympic gold medallist, former Paralympian and current Victorian Head Coach Andrew 'Harro' Harrison. After the eight weeks, players will be divided into four teams and get the opportunity to play in a round-robin competition before the seniors grand final.
The sessions are open to participants of all abilities aged 6-14 years, so we encourage you to get some friends together and come along to experience the excitement of wheelchair rugby!
Come and Try Events
Sunday 16th July from 12pm – 2pm at Narrandjeri Stadium, Thornbury
Sunday 23rd July from 12pm – 2pm at Narrandjeri Stadium, Thornbury
Download the PDF flyer below:
8-Week Training Program
Starts Wednesday 2nd August from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre (seniors train from 7:00pm – 8:30pm)
Ends Wednesday 20th September from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre (seniors train from 7:00pm – 8:30pm)
Junior Round-Robin Competition (hosted in conjunction with Seniors Finals)
Saturday 23rd September from 12pm – 2pm at Narrandjeri Stadium, Thornbury (seniors games from 2pm – 5pm)
Download the PDF flyer below:
Proudly supported by Rugby Victoria, Narrandjeri Stadium, Protect and Austin Health.