Scope’s Balloon Football 2021

Photo courtesy of Total Recreation photographer Carly O’Neill (2021).

Territorians living with severe disability prove the value of community sport through the Balloon Football program.

Scope Australia’s Balloon Football is a version of AFL that has been modified to suit the needs of people with disability. Balloon Football is played with five-a-side on a basketball court, using wheelchairs, portable goal posts and a large balloon.

Disability Sports Northern Territory (DSNT) and Carpentaria partnered in the months of May and June to pilot a six-week program for members of Carpentaria’s Pathways Program.

The program focused on improving skill proficiency of touch, strength and increasing range of movement (ROI). A further benefit of the program involved educating support coordinators on the benefits of physical activity and community sport with many support workers unfamiliar with the positives of community sport.

The conclusion of the pilot program witnessed a final week celebration with a medal presentation and certificate awarded for participating in the pilot program.

DSNT would like to thank the St Mary’s Football Club and Nightcliff Football Club for their commitment to providing player jumpers for participants on the day. Outlining their contribution to supporting more inclusive sporting outcomes in the Northern Territory.

DSNT is proud to announce the recommencement of the Balloon Football competition on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Between the timeslot of 10:30am and 12:30pm at the Darwin Basketball Association, the program will be delivered by Disability Sports Northern Territory and will run for six consecutive weeks.

Disability Support Services and members of the community are encouraged to express interest in the program.  

James from DSNT can be contacted via email at james@sportsnt.org.au or on 0436 407 445.

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