In 2014, the Australian Sports Commission abolished its backing for Paralympic football, and the FFA led the rescue mission to reinstate the sport in 2015.
Even now in 2016, the future of the Pararoos is in limbo. Outside90’s Adam Pallotta spoke with young Pararoo Taylor Harvey, who passionately delved into the current outlook of Paralympic football in Australia, and what has to change to support their ambitions.
Harvey is a promising footballer hailing from Tintinara, two hours southeast of Adelaide, and like the drive between the town and capital, his life has had many twists and turns.
As an eight-year-old, Harvey was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, what he described as when “your body attacks your spinal cord”. The virus causes damage to myelin, resulting in damaged communication between the spinal cord nerves and the body. His biggest hurdle was the inability to use his right leg for two weeks.
“Although I’ve been dealt a dull hand, it (my disability) is something that has always motivated me,” Harvey said.
“I have to work harder than most able-bodied athletes so it was never a consideration (to give up); I know the rewards will come if I keep working hard.”
Harvey was first introduced to Paralympic sports by a doctor during one of his final visits to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. He initially turned down the opportunity as at the time, he “didn’t know” his disability was so severe. At 17, Harvey admits he was “one of the late ones” to enter the sport at state level, and considers himself “lucky” to have already represented his country in the green and gold.
The rewards certainly came quickly for the hard-working teenager as he was included in the 13-man list for the under-19 seven-a-side World Championships in England, and aims to build on what he considers to be a step in the right direction.
“Last year (2015) was the first year they introduced the IFCPF u19 World Championships, and it gave the young guys a chance to perform at an international level,” he said.
Although the team battled hard, it finished the tournament in sixth place, while the seniors finished 12th.
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The tournament was an achievement he holds close to his heart, but Harvey laments the lack of support from the Australian Sports Commission, claiming it is because the Pararoos “aren’t seen as a medal chance”. With improvement needed, both on and off the pitch, Harvey voiced his discontent regarding the financial priorities of the governing body, FFA, and more locally, the FFSA, suggesting a big brand should mean development of Paralympic football in Australia.
“The prevalent sports (athletics and swimming) in both Able-bodied and Paralympic sports are adequately backed by their respective Australian Committee’s, while Paralympic football sits low on the FFA and FFSA priority lists.
”To be honest it is disappointing because there are a lot of passionate players on the team who have been there for many years. It would help if the FFA could provide improved facilities, regular training calendar, and a coach that has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the varying disabilities in the sport.
“I think that it would improve Paralympic football in SA and other states.”
Increased financial backing would certainly help improve Paralympic football growth and performance on the international stage, and Harvey admits that it “wouldn’t require mountains of cash pumped into it to see a positive change”.
“There would be many kids with disabilities that would jump at the opportunity to play football but are uninformed to due to lack of promotion,” he said.
“We only have three to four camps per year, and that’s barely enough.
“Two to three extra (at least) a year would improve the team, and achieve a playing style that you can’t get in just three weekends.”
Taylor hopes to see Paralympic Football promoted through the A-League and in schools, helping it achieve greater recognition, and fresh faces at training camps.
“Many of the boys train just as hard as many Paralympic and able bodied athletes. It is a pity that Australia hasn’t seen how important it is to the players. Every one of the players wants to be at the Paralympic games, but it can only be done if a strong partnership is made.”
For the fastest-growing sport in Australia, this just does not seem right.
How can a team be expected to perform on the international stage with limited training and resources? More substantial funding will provide greater opportunity to expand and promote Paralympic football, but it will take more than another feeble effort from the FFA to get Australia involved in the progression of Paralympic football.
If you feel like getting involved, head to http://paralympic.footballaustralia.com.au for the official page and upcoming events.
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