The Kelmscott Bulldogs All Abilities League played Saturday’s game with borrowed jumpers after the team’s uniforms went missing from a volunteer’s Armadale home.
On June 11, the team’s 40 jumpers and uniforms were in a black Elastoplast sports bag at a residence on Gribble Avenue when they were allegedly stolen.
The jumpers could be identified by having BA on the front, and 4lifeskills on the back.
Team coach Robert Turner said any information from the community about the whereabouts of the jumpers would help, “no questions asked”.
“The 40 jumpers are of great expense for a program and team aimed to provide inclusion and fun for people living with disability and difficulty,” he said.
“There is a huge amount of workload that goes in by our participants, support, volunteers, sponsors and club to provide these great uniforms. This ultimately tears at the heart of everyone involved.
“The jumper theft couldn’t have occurred at a more struggling time, while the club was balancing the impact of cost-of-living effects, which had reduced the clubs necessary fundraising, sponsorship and income to maintain the community sport hub.
“The loss of the jumpers just adds to a list of challenges faced by our players, members and volunteers who try very hard to fundraise for the local football club.
“We only want to see the continued inclusion for the participants.”
Mr Turner said the wider football community has been an integral part of ensuring the All Abilities team could continue to play, despite not having their usual uniforms.
“The Kelmscott Bulldogs Football Club’s ‘Integrated All Abilities Team weren’t deterred from playing despite the theft of their jumpers last Thursday,” Mr Turner said.
“Pulling together a mix-match of the clubs older Sunday Football jumpers, the players were able to still wear their proud Blue and White Club colours, just like the club men’s and women’s teams, and play in the Kingsway Integrated Football Teams special MND Big Freeze Fundraising Match at Kingsway Reserve last Saturday night.
“The club has been overwhelmed by the outreach from community, other football clubs and its own members who have offered financial contributions and spare jumpers.
“I haven’t been able to keep up with the extremely generous offers, and the support from the community has been very emotional.
“A kind lady from the Wagin Football Club offered to drive two hours to lend the team a set of jumpers for the weekend, whilst WAFL Club South Fremantle offered a set of their own.”
Deputy premier and minister for sport and recreation Rita Saffioti also offered her support when she contacted the All Abilities team.
The Integrated League games provide a physical outlet for players living with disability and difficulties, especially people whose lives are affected by intellectual disabilities.
Mr Turner said it was a heartbreaking experience to witness the struggles the team faced following the alleged theft of their jumpers.
“I knew it was going to be hard, and it felt terrible seeing their frustration, not quite understanding why they couldn’t have their footy jumper,” he said.
“You are dealing with participants who live with raw emotions, who love their club and idolise the Men’s and Women’s players.
We greatly thank every person, business and community member who has reached out in a gracious show of support.”
Player Warren Gregson said it was a meaningful experience for the All Abilities team to still be able to play last weekend.
“We take enormous pride in being able to pull on these jumpers each Saturday and play the game they love with their mates. The impact is a mental and emotional one,” he said.
The community are invited to an unveiling and presentation of a special club jumper designed to acknowledge club history and create mental health awareness tonight at 7pm at the Kelmscott Football clubrooms.
The jumpers were originally intended to be worn on the last fixtured home game but have been made available earlier following the alleged theft of the All Abilities jumpers.
The special jumpers will be worn by the Integrated All Abilities team until they receive new permanent jumpers.
Any members of the community who wish to contribute to the Kelmscott Bulldogs All Abilities team are encouraged to reach out to the club on 0409922923 or at kelmscott1898@outlook.com.
