By ALESHA CAPONE
YOUNG Lily Gallus is a good sport who is following in her father’s footsteps to help disadvantaged children.
The 11-year-old is the daughter of Keilor East resident Michael Gallus, a primary school teacher who established the Footys4all Foundation.
The non-for-profit group delivers new footballs, rugby balls, basketballs and netballs to disadvantaged children.
Within 12 months of operation, the foundation has sent out more than 6000 balls across Australia and internationally.
“I help promote Footys4all a bit. I’m on some social media websites, I help out with clinics and with distribution,” Lily said.
Among her tasks at Footys4all sports clinics is helping to set up handball targets and pump up balls.
“Probably what I enjoy most is just seeing how much fun kids have with footy,” Lily said.
The youngster, who is also a captain at Keilor Heights Primary School, plays basketball and competes in gymnastics during her spare time.
“I know how much sport has impacted on my life, like in basketball it teaches you teamwork, sharing, respect and sportsmanship,” Lily said.
Lily recently accompanied her father on a trip to Sydney to meet the Australian Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos and the Australian National Children’s commissioner Megan Mitchell.
“She’s been going around Australia talking to kids for the past year so she can tell the government what they want,” Lily said.
“I said some kids would like more things to do, and all my friends and I want to ban all alcohol and cigarettes and drugs.”
While she was interstate, Lily also helped distribute sports balls to indigenous children living in Redfern alongside the Weave Youth Family Community group.
Along with her father, mother and two brothers, Lily said sport – especially AFL – was an important part of family life.
“Only the girls in my family go for Collingwood,” she said.
“Dad is a Carlton supporter.”
See www.footys4all.com.au for more information.
