Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club received the Access and Inclusion award at Mitchell Shire Council’s community awards on Australia Day, recognised for its All-Abilities Gala Day.
The gala day brought together not only local clubs but also teams from various parts of Victoria.
Mitchell Rangers committee member and All-Abilities coach Paul Sirianni founded the All-Abilities program in 2016, refusing to let one player be excluded because of disability.
While coaching his son, another man mentioned to Mr Sirianni he would love to play football but was unable to because he was disabled.
Mr Sirianni started training the player one night a week for an hour until word spread and more players joined the sessions.
Mitchell Rangers has made registrations, uniforms, and any cost associated with participating in the program free to ensure there were no barriers to joining.
The gala day focused on the joy of playing soccer instead of competitive pursuits of victory, creating a positive experience for all participants with camaraderie prevailing over competitions.
It marked the first time the Rangers hosted an all-abilities day on such a grand scale, with previous smaller games taking place about three years ago.

Duncan Freemantle received the award on behalf of the club at the presentation at Wallan Neighbourhood House on Friday, with Mr Sirianni unable to attend due to illness.
“On behalf of the club I’d like to thank everybody. We’re very proud of our award,” Freemantle said.
“We try our very best to make sure everyone has access to football. Our special abilities team is very important to us but we also like to make sure everybody has the chance to play football.”
Committee member Kane De Battista said they were proud to have Mr Sirianni a part of the club and championing inclusion.
“As such a proud part of our club, we are privileged and honoured to have Paul as a lifelong champion of the club and a proud founder of the all abilities,” he said.
“His initiative dedication and hard work sometimes goes unnoticed. What he has been able to do and achieve with our all-abilities program has been nothing short of incredible.
“Along with other aspects of the club, Paul gives it his all and we wouldn’t be in the position we are as a club without him.
“To see the joy he brings to others, and for making Mitchell Rangers truly a club for all we cannot thank him enough for all he has done.”
For more information about the club and programs it offers visit mitchellrangers.org.au.