Soccer Discrimination

7 Apr 2014: So here we are in 2014 and discrimination and bullying are still massive issues kids with disabilities are still having to cope with even in after school sporting activities.

A mum by the name of, Cheryl Martin, posted this on facebook:
“I am very disappointed in the ingleburn eagles soccer team who have rang me today to de register my son from playing for their team stating that they cannot support him and the other children dont want to play with him. They have openly discriminated against him being on the autism spectrum and let him suffer from repeated abuse from both other players and parents on his previous team. Shames on you ingleburn eagles soccer club for your lack if understanding and inclusion for all. My son has played for your team for 4 years and has tried his best. Shame on you!!!!!”

You can read it for yourself at https
TARGET=new>https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.martin.167189/posts/10151957508056837

I cannot fathom how parents can bully this boy, aren't parents supposed to set a better example?

I know of another soccer Coach who took all the kids with disabilities onto her team and they flourished to the point where other teams tried to poach them because they were now sooo confident and knew what they had to do.

I'm glad Cheryl Martin has gone public with this and I hope the people involved cop it! After all, what is normal behaviour anyway? Why can't they see that this kid is trying his best? Does playing soccer always have to be about winning?