The Magpies Football Club’s subsidiary all-abilities team, the ‘Merriwa Magpies’ will return to the competition this year, ready for action. The team compete as part of the Victorian Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) which provides the opportunity for footballers of all abilities to participate in structured competition across the State.
The competition is getting stronger each year with 6 teams resigning for the 2025 season. John Mullins who heads up the Merriwa Magpies Team is excited for the upcoming season. “It’s terrific that the popularity of the competition is on the increase. Ballarat & North Albury teams who were new over the last couple of years will put on their boots again for what is set to be another great season” .
The competition is played in a unique round robin style, with a modified game format to encourage more participation and match time on game days. The Merriwa Magpies compete against 6 teams across multiple venues in North East Victoria throughout the season.
“Whilst the great Ex-St Kilda player Bob Murray, who has been involved in the coaching in past years, has hung up his whistle, we are told not to be surprised if we see him turn up at the odd training session. It will be hard for him to stay away, having been such a key part of the teams success in recent years. Bob is a great advocate for making footy more accessible to all. He has a rare combination of talent and expertise” says John.
The team is now working with Damien Lappin from the Wangaratta Magpies to recruit some senior players to help out at training alongside some of the great teaching staff from the Wangaratta Specialist School who will be generously donating their time. The team welcomes anyone else who would like to help out to contact John.
John encourages new players interested in joining to come down on Thursdays from 4-5pm at the Magpies Oval where training takes place each week to register their interest or have a chat and see what it’s all about. “We are getting new players all the time with ages ranging from 16 yrs to 40yrs old. If you want to just have a chat to find out more, please reach out to me on 0411 699 179” says John.
Anyone over the age of 16 with a disability is encouraged to attend. Competition games will be held once a month from the end of April through to mid-August, travelling around to Echuca, Shepperton, Benalla, North Albury, Wodonga & Wangaratta. John encourages anyone to follow our Facebook page for more details of these and other up coming events. There is also a planned Carnival Day in May.
“All community members are encouraged show their support by attending the matches. The half time tradition of a 30 min mini match at the O&M Grand final is always a great showcase of the team’s abilities which we are hoping will continue to be part of their programme in 2025” says John.
Merriwa Industries and the Magpies Football Club are proud to bring ‘quality to life’ through football. “We have proudly been involved with the Merriwa Magpies for nearly 10 years. Sport is a great way for us to connect with the wider community and continue to provide more opportunities for people with disability to live meaningful lives. It’s at the heart of what we do here at Merriwa” says Karen Prebble Marketing Manager for Merriwa.
Wangaratta Merriwa Magpies 2025 Football Carnival Dates
4th May – Wodonga
1st June – Benalla
29th June – Echuca
27th July – Shepparton
24th August – Wangaratta
14th September – Nth Albury
