By VANESSA VALENZUELA
A NEW sporting charity is making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children around the world.
Footys4All is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide free sporting balls, such as footballs, soccer balls and basketballs, to underprivileged and socially displaced kids worldwide.
Footys4All founder Michael Gallus has been a resident of Melbourne’s north-west for the past 13 years and has been teaching basketball, football, hockey and cricket in primary and secondary schools for almost two decades.
“My life has always revolved round sport and education and I have seen and experienced the powerful opportunities that are presented to children through sport,” Mr Gallus said.
“Unfortunately, millions of disadvantaged socially displaced and underprivileged kids are not being given these sporting opportunities that I see and live through my daily life.”
Mr Gallus decided to team up with local residents, businesses and sporting groups to create a foundation where kids could be given the chance to learn and play sport.
“I got together with many local resident individuals through businesses and sporting interests and we all decided, not just me, to create a foundation to give these kids sporting opportunities both here in Australia and across the world.”
Since its inception, Footys4All has gathered tremendous support from the community and has welcomed a number of sporting, music and youth ambassadors.
Football player and Footys4all patron Joshua Toy said he decided to become involved with the foundation to gives kids the chance to be involved in physical activity.
“When I heard about the foundation I thought it a must to be a part of as I have seen kids in remote areas of Africa and also Australia who don’t have the opportunities in sport that other people are so fortunate to have,” he said.
Mr Gallus said the Footys4All foundation hopes to raise more than $10 million dollars which would help ensure children are able to learn and play sport.
He thanks all community members who have donated and supported the Footys4all foundation.
For more information visit www.footys4all.com.au.
