Coolbinia Junior Football Club was the first football club in WA to launch the Starkick program – an all-abilities football program supporting children aged five to 17, 10 years ago. 

Since its inception Starkick has expanded to 29 centres across the State, running in metro and regional WA. 

As part of the 10th year anniversary of Starkick, Coolbinia JFC celebrated the occasion by inducting their first Life Member, Brendan Sawford. 

Coach and Inclusion Specialist at Starkick, Rob Geersen said it’s a wonderful to acknowledge a player who has been part of the group for so long. 

“Brendan’s a young man who’s got his challenges in life, just getting out into the community and being part of our team and our club, it’s been fantastic for him,” Geersen said. 

Brendan was one of the first participants to join Coolbinia’s Starkick program in 2014 and has remained at the club since. 

His dad Bryn has been a Starkick coach from the first session and continues to coach the participants. 

Bryn said Brendan is on the autism spectrum and programs like Starkick allow Brendan to get involved in team sports. 

“Starkick is really good for him and really good for us as a family and it’s really good for the community involved – people get together and really help each other out,” Bryne said. 

“It’s been such a good journey being down here at Coolbinia, the way that Brendan’s been supported by the club, his playing group and the coaches, it’s just been fantastic.”