By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
WILLEM Baber is the Flemington Junior Football Club’s newest recruit.
The energetic eight-year-old has recently joined the Colts’ Under-9 team and despite his late start to the season, the youngster has had an immediate impact on his new team.
Willem father’s connection with AFL as a player and an umpire, combined with his older brother Fynley’s involvement with Flemington Juniors, meant he has grown up in and around footy.
However, what makes Willem’s story different than most juniors wanting to play footy, is that he was born with Down Syndrome.
A genetic condition that affects his 21st chromosome. This causes developmental delay and a range of other health conditions.
Willem has also had hearing issues and from a young age has worn a hearing aid.
He attended Furlong Park School for the Deaf for three years. The bilingual school is where he learnt sign language, which he still uses regularly.
Willem now attends Holy Rosary Primary School and after some encouragement from his family, friends and Flemington Juniors coach Rob Green, the youngster decided it was time to pull on the boots and play.
“It has meant a lot that the dads from our local community have welcomed, supported and encouraged Willem to join the team,” Willem’s mother Abi said.
“The most valuable thing you can offer a child with a disability is the genuine opportunity to be included and participate with their friends and peers.
“When I see this happen I know Willem will be ok in this world even if I'm not by his side his whole life.”
Willem’s skills and knowledge of the rules are not what you’d expect from a typical footy loving eight-year-old, but that doesn’t mean his enthusiasm and willingness to be involved is any less than his team mates.
Over the last few weeks of the season his confidence and his passion for kicking the footy around with his new friends continued to grow.
“He's pretty aware he's not as skilled as others and that might also be a big challenge for him to overcome, but whatever happens with his football career his family will always remember the parents and kids that welcomed him into the club and encouraged him to play footy,” Abi said.
Last Modified on 28/07/2016 23:17