Getting a kick out of helping families with special needs

Dedicated. Generous. Inclusive

As an early childhood educator, Jose Bello knows that having a child with special needs can cause families to disengage from their community and become isolated.

As a former professional footballer, he knows sport brings people together and improves wellbeing.

That’s why he took the initiative in 2011 and started Next Step Foundation, a fun soccer skills program for children with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other medical conditions.

So far, 350 children aged three to eight have benefited from the free program, which many parents refer to as fun therapy. Apart from teaching new physical and cognitive skills, the sessions include physiotherapy excerises, gross motor training and emotional development.

“It’s a very personal project,” says Jose. “I wanted to combine my passion for football with my passion for working in the community.

“It doesn’t just benefit the child; it also allows parents to connect with other parents. They feel protected, secure and accepted.”

Jose has found it overwhelming and humbling to be voted a Westfield Local Hero. “It is very exciting. I appreciate the community support and it’s been an incredible experience,” he says.

But his most gratifying reward comes from witnessing parents’ joy as they watch their kids in action. “The gratitude and love they show the coaches and everyone involved fuels us to continue growing this program.

“We understand how difficult it can be for parents after receiving a diagnosis. Parents can begin helping their child through therapy but this can create isolation. Next Step is our way of helping parents enrol their child in a normal, fun and inclusive program,” says Jose.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.

The foundation will use its grant to recruit more coaches to expand its reach and invest in much-needed specialist equipment for children with high needs.

“The grant is extremely helpful because we always make the program free,” says Jose. No parent has ever paid to access the Next Step program and we rely on community support to run it,” says Jose.

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __