A host of Adelaide United’s stars have made a special appearance at the 2013 Phoenix Cup.
A host of Adelaide United-s stars have made a special appearance at the 2013 Phoenix Cup.
The annual event, which was held at Modbury Jets Soccer Club for the fifth straight year, is a not for profit dedicated 7-a-side tournament aimed at providing people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the world game.
In what initially began as a tournament for the four Adelaide based facilities of the Phoenix Society, the event has grown to include 12 teams and over 180 participants from Adelaide based organisations the Phoenix Society, Bedford Industries, Orana, Leveda, Cerebral Palsy SA, SASRAPID, Special Olympics, and Novita.
Fabio Ferreira, Jacob Melling, Nigel Boogaard, Jordan Elsey and Spaniard Isaias were guests at the event, spending the day giving encouragement to the participants and staying until the end to present trophies and have photos.
“The attendance of five of Adelaide United-s players was overwhelming for both the participants, their family and supporters who were there on the day,” Phoenix Cup Chairman Ryan Mogg said.
“With the way the players interacted with both the participants and everyone there it seemed like they also enjoyed their time.”
“To hang around until the end of the tournament and complete the trophy and medal presentation went above and beyond what we expected, and going by the smiles on the faces when participants received their medal/trophy I-m sure it will be an occasion that they will all remember.
“A sincere thank you to the players and Adelaide United for supporting this annual community event.”
Notably, for the first time this year, the Phoenix Cup also featured a Phoenix Cup junior tournament, giving children with disabilities between the ages of 8-13 to participate. While giving them an opportunity to take part in football, it also provides them with a chance to mix with peers in similar circumstances as them.
The visit was part of Adelaide United-s recently established Stratco Community Program.
