BENDIGO’S Joshua Beekes’ dream to represent Australia’s Paralympic soccer team – the Pararoos – is receiving a boost through Bendigo City FC.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Joshua, 13 and a member of the Victorian paralympic team and Colts United Soccer Club, is training weekly with the Bendigo City FC under-15 squad as part of a training scholarship awarded by the club.
“He’s a great kid with a great attitude and an example that an apparent disadvantage does not have to be one if you are prepared to accept it and work hard,” Bendigo City FC senior assistant and under-15 coach Peter Lodewijks said.
As well as Joshua – who has hemiplegia through the left side of his body – Bendigo City FC also has all-ability athletes Jake Floyd and Maxi Shanahan, who are hearing impaired, involved.
“Inclusion and all abilities is a core value of Football Federation Victoria and one that we take very seriously,” Bendigo City FC president Robyn Williams said.