During 2019, Loftus Recreation Centre noticed that the Western Australia Powerchair Football Association (WAPFA) had difficulties finding a venue, other than those associated with disability services, to conduct their football games. Powerchair football is modified version of soccer to suit electric wheelchairs, which many people use for daily life.

Loftus Recreation Centre recognised that their large enclosed Futsal court could be a great location for WAPFA to host their matches and training sessions. The environment was ideal because of the walls for rebounding purposes and the wide ramps provided access for all participants.

In the spirit of ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to participate in the sport they love, Loftus Recreation Centre offered the space free of charge to WAPFA to hold their mid-week training sessions. Leaders within WAPFA noticed the players began to feel empowered as athletes, training in a large sporting venue within the community, supporting greater profile and a sense of being welcomed, supported and included in a local enjoyed by everyone.

The training sessions quickly gained in popularity with the increased exposure of the sport. The public would often stop to watch the practise sessions in the busy sporting facility and from there the league took off! An agreement was made between Loftus Recreation Centre and WAPFA to host weekend powerchair football games during the 2020 season.

Loftus Recreation Centre is now the home of Western Australia’s first powerchair football team, with all matches scheduled on Sundays. There is always a fantastic energy at Loftus Recreation Centre on game days and great attendance is seen from players, friends, family, support workers, staff and the community.

Belgravia Foundation acknowledges this collaboration is partly possible because of the welcoming, safe and inclusive environment Loftus Recreation Centre staff and the community provide for WAPFA and their athletes; no one misses out. Training is key in building the confidence and capacity of staff. YouMeUs is an online training resource supported by Belgravia Foundation, used to improve the knowledge and understanding of staff to recognise the diversities with our communities and create an inclusive culture in the place they work. Over 4,500 Belgravia Leisure staff have completed YouMeUs training, and the platform is incorporated into the induction process – a powerful statement of support by Belgravia Leisure reinforcing to all new staff a commitment to inclusivity. Loftus Recreation Centre is a fantastic example of how supported staff create a welcoming environment and inclusive culture for everyone in the community.

Click here to watch a video about Loftus Recreation Centre’s inclusive activities.