There’s a different kind of football magic when the Titans take the field

The $10,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant has allowed the Sutherland Titans to purchase an on site defibrillator, along with a drinks fridge and new goal posts.

"Westfield Local Heroes has been a lifeline" says Paulo. "We now have some financial security which is very different to previous years."

Something magical happens when the Sutherland Titans Football Club teams play another local club. It’s no ordinary match. It shines a different light on the competitive game of soccer, says Paulo De Nobrega, coach and manager of the club, which caters for people with special needs.

The players love getting out on the field for the club, which was started in 2005 by a group of parents with the support of the Sutherland Shire Football Association.

Their opponents every Saturday of the season are association teams that have a bye that weekend.

Players of all ages and varying ability are welcome. Some rely on a volunteer buddy to help them navigate the field.

It’s a unique system, says Paulo. “Buddies have special dispensation as they are the only people allowed on the field other than officials and players.”

And it’s not only the Titans players who benefit, says Paulo. It can be a humbling experience for the members of the other teams.

“Their players benefit by understanding that the game can be much more than winning and more about bringing a smile to a child that scores a goal or is able to feel good about being part of a team.

“It’s about giving kids all round a go,” says Paulo, two of whose sons are on the autism spectrum and play for the club.

Westfield Local Heroes has also helped increase community awareness of the club. "The amount of people who have taken notice has been great, it's really helped with new players and parents awareness with what the club can do for their kids. We are hoping that the increased exposure will increase the number of volunteers" says Paulo.

Paulo says it feels awesome to be voted a Westfield Local Hero. “Not for me, more for our club.”

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