Surf Coast club creates new pathways into sport for all abilities

A new Surf Coast sports club is aiming to remove barriers for people with disability, neurodivergent individuals and others requiring additional support to get involved in sport.

Launching in term 3, the club will offer casual skills sessions and competition pathways across multiple sports for participants from kindergarten through to adulthood.

Founder Leon Sayers is drawing on more than 30 years’ experience in local sport to establish the program.

“Anyone can rock up have a bit of fun,” Sayers said.

“If that sport doesn’t work, then go try one of the other sports we’re offering until you find the sport that you get excited about.”

While the primary focus will be supporting people with disability, Sayers said the program will also welcome people who require other supports, including those unable to participate in full-contact or running-based sports due to injury or medical conditions.

Those who move into competitive teams will play as the Breakers.

Sayers said the name carries multiple meanings.

“We’ve purposefully chose the Breakers because we want people to be breaking their concepts around what is sport for all abilities,” he said. “We want participants to break through the barriers that are holding them back from participating, and being on the Surf Coast, it just works.”

The early response to the club has been positive and will help shape which sports are offered.

The initial program will include basketball, soccer and Aussie rules football.

“I had to pick three to start with but I’ve built relationships with so many different sporting clubs in the area that I’m pretty sure we can find someone that’s going to offer to help out and run a session [in any sport] we need to,” Sayers said.

Providing local access to sport is important to Sayers, who said the club is designed for the entire Surf Coast Shire, not just Torquay.

He wants residents across the region to participate without needing to travel long distances.

Affordability will also be a focus, with Sayers seeking sponsorships to keep costs as low as possible for families. Where applicable, participants will be able to use NDIS plan funding.

Further information can be found on the Surfcoast All Abilities website.