Sorrento Duncraig Junior Football Club is aiming to give every child the opportunity to play football, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

It runs Starkick, an all-abilities football program for boys and girls aged five to 17, with the motto “if you want to play, we’ll find a way”.

The program, which started at the Coolbinia Bombers in 2015 and has expanded to several clubs across Perth, tailors support and resources to each child’s abilities.

Sorrento Duncraig runs it each Saturday during the Auskick season, promoting teamwork, physical activity and social skills, with one-on-one assistance when needed. The sessions boost confidence and self-awareness, as well as enhance physical fitness, motor skills, intellectual capacities and overall well-being.

And recently the club hosted the Joondalup Jets for its second annual gala day – an opportunity for Starkick participants and their families to connect with the community and experience a match-day setting.

Sorrento Duncraig Starkick coach James Nerva with teams. 

Sorrento Duncraig inclusion coordinator Cathy Farrel said days like the annual gala day were the heart and soul of the Starkick program.

“Seeing the joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they take to the field is incredibly rewarding and reminds us why we do what we do,” she said.

“It’s not just about playing football - it’s about creating a space where every child feels included, valued, and capable.”

Action from the Sorrento Duncraig Starkick gala day. 

Sorrento Duncraig president Michelle Richards said Starkick was started at the club in 2020 by ex-president and 2018 Volunteer of the Year John Sobolewski.

“As one of the largest junior football clubs in the country, SDJFC wanted to set an example within football and more broadly,” she said.

“Our club warmly welcomes new participants to come and try the program.”

Sorrento Duncraig Starkick parent and coach James Nerva said he enjoyed seeing the Starkickers’ skills improve over the season, and watching the older players help the younger ones showed good camaraderie.

“Taking them out to Optus Oval (to play at an AFL match) for the first time was truly a moment that I - and hopefully the players - will never forget,’” he said.

Starkicker Orlando Grubisa with West Coast Eagles mascots Rick and Rosie at the Starkick gala day hosted by Sorrento Duncraig Junior Football Club.

Fellow club Starkick parent and coach Steve Panossian said the best thing was “seeing the smile on their faces every week”.

“They learn to play together and communicate as a team,” he said.

“It’s also great for their hand-eye coordination and building some muscle tone. It’s great to see the level of improvement over the season.”

STORY CREDIT: PerthNow