By: Joseph Arthur
THE annual AFL National Inclusion Carnival took place in Blacktown, New South Wales last week.
The Inclusion Carnival sees each state or territory put forth a team to compete, however the team is fully-comprised of players with intellectual disabilities.
The carnival gives athletes with an intellectual disability a chance to compete at a high level and showcase their talents on a national scale.
Representing Vic Metro this year was one of the EFL’s very own – Lachlan Essing (pictured above) of Ferntree Gully’s FIDA (Football Integration Development Association) team.
FIDA is an organisation that allows players with disabilities to join football clubs and compete in the Victorian FIDA Football League
“It’s (FIDA) all about players who have a disability and it helps them get an opportunity to get in the game and socialise with new people,” Essing said.
“FIDA is for players who have either autism, Asperger’s, or any disability and they get a fair go which is really great.
“Ferntree Gully, their football club provides that opportunity in the eastern region which is fantastic – boys and girls as well – aged from about 14 to 40.
“They get a kick which is great to see and it’s a great opportunity for these kids.”
Essing is a talented footballer and relished the opportunity to play for Vic Metro at the inclusion carnival and show everyone what FIDA players can do.
Despite players’ disabilities, there is no shortage of competitive fire out on the field and players love the chance to match-up against the opposition.
“It’s competitive because we want to show what all abilities is all about, you know, we have autism but nothing’s going to stop us,” Essing said.
“Everyone is just getting in there and trying their best.
“As long as you play your part, give everything you’ve got and have fun at the same time, that’s the main three things we always look out for.”
Essing praised Vic Metro coach Rob Klemm and assistant coach Elle Dow for keeping the boys in-check and ensuring they never lose sight of what’s really important.
“We (Victoria) want to be the state that leads the way with respect, discipline and having fun,” Essing said.
“If there’s a guy on the ground, pick him up, that’s the way things work and I’ve learnt a lot from that.”
Essing also previously played for the Eastern Lions and Scoresby.
“(Then) I sort of stopped footy for half the year in 2015 and when it was headed into the next year I was thinking ‘maybe I won’t play this year’ but then my mates said ‘you’ve got to play you’re too good to stop’.
“That’s when I heard about Ferntree Gully FIDA and since day-one it was fantastic, you know, the boys and the coaches were really good, they’ve just been outstanding.”
Essing has had his struggles and setbacks throughout the journey, but said the most important thing for him is to never quit.
He implores all people with disabilities to get out there and have a go at anything they choose, don’t let a disability hold you back from trying new things.
“It’s just believe in yourself, a lot of kids (with disabilities) when you’re at a young age get picked on by mainstream and people think, ‘people are picking on me, I have to stop here’, just don’t give up,” Essing said.
“I was at that same point when everyone was picking on me but I was just like ‘never give up and believe’.
“Even though you have a disability you can still do certain things, you can still do certain things in life and I believe that every-day.
“Keep trying every day and if you want to achieve anything you’ve got to work hard for it, it won’t be easy, you’ve got to earn it.”
Vic Metro finished runner-up to Northern Territory in the Division 1 AFL National Inclusion Carnival grand final.
Ferntree Gully’s FIDA side heads to Williamstown to take on the Seagulls this Sunday at 12.30pm at Fearon Reserve.
