Fraser's Story of Belonging at the Wangaratta Magpies
Fiona Kleinitz
Sport4All Inclusion Coach - Sport North East
At Sport4All, we believe that inclusive sport has the power to transform lives and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Today, I am thrilled to share a story that perfectly illustrates this belief in action. It’s the story of Fraser, a remarkable person whose passion for footy and unwavering dedication to his local club, the Wangaratta Magpies, is a testament to the club and the inclusive community they have built.
Discover the inspiring story of Fraser and the Wangaratta Magpies, showcasing the transformative power of inclusive sport. This video features Fraser and other key stakeholders discussing the importance of inclusion and the positive impact it has on the community.
Inclusive Sport in action!
Fraser's Journey: A Testament to Inclusive Sport
In my role as the Sport4All Inclusion Coach for Sport North East, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible impact that inclusive sport can have. Fraser’s journey is a great example to witness the power of welcoming everyone, into the heart of the sporting community.
Fraser’s connection to the Magpies runs deep. He’s been involved with the club for years, first as a junior player and now as a dedicated volunteer and water carrier for the league. When I asked him what the club means to him, his face lit up with pure joy. For Fraser, the Wangaratta Magpies are more than just a footy club. They’re his community, his family. It’s where he played as a kid, and where his loved ones are still actively involved.
He takes immense pride in his role as water carrier, and his commitment and professionalism are truly inspiring. In fact, his dedication caught the attention of some local businesses, leading to his first job and then his current gig as a barista at the local APCO. Actually, at APCO, Fraser stacks the fridge and shelves and is the general maintenance and cleaner. I reckon he puts the sunshine in every Wangaratta commuter’s coffee!
He does 6 hours of water carrying for the 3 football teams every Saturday starting at 10 am and finishing at 4 pm.
Fraser's Impact: More Than Just a Water Carrier
Fraser lives and breathes the Magpies. He makes sure the senior players are hydrated on game day and even gave the Under 18s a rousing pep talk before their first finals appearance (which must have worked because they made it to the Grand Final!).
The league recognised Fraser’s talents as a water carrier and has been the Interleague number 1 water carrier several years in a row. From that you often see Fraser giving players from the opposition a drink when needed, the mutual respect between the opposition players and Fraser is great to see.
Not only does Fraser see hydrating the players as important, but he goes out of his way to make sure the umpires are looked after as well.
Whenever you see an injured player Fraser is always the first to get to the player to assess the situation and call for the right help when needed. His care is unwavering to all.
“As coach of the U18s at Wangaratta I am very lucky to have Fraser involved in our team on gamedays and trainings. Fraser has a knack for lightening the mood when training isn’t going as planned and is the first one to pick a player’s chin up when they aren’t having a great day. His big smile and love for footy refreshes our minds to remember how lucky we are to be playing the sport we love with a bunch of close mates” says Damien Lappin, U-18 Coach at Wangaratta Magpies.
Fraser and the Wangaratta Magpies are a shining example of why inclusion matters in sport. It’s not just about letting people with disability participate; it’s about welcoming them as volunteers, fans, and valued members of the community. It’s about letting everyone be part of the action, the excitement, and the camaraderie that sport brings.
Fraser’s proudest moments at the club is being part of 3 premierships U18s 2022, Seniors 2022, and Reserves 2024.
Creating Inclusive Sport in Your Community
So, how can your club or school create similar experiences for people with disability? It starts with embracing the inclusive pillars that Sport4All champions:
- Inclusive Environments: Use clear signs and symbols that represent everyone, and make sure your club is welcoming and accessible to all.
- Good Interpersonal Relationships: See the person first, and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
- Inclusive Community Participation: Invite and include everyone, and make sure everyone has a voice.
- Good Culture: Live the values of trust, openness, respect, accountability, empathy, fairness, and curiosity.
Sport4All: Your Partner in Inclusive Sport
If you’re ready to make your community more inclusive, head over to the Sport 4 All website and enrol in our programs. Learn how to cultivate an inclusive mindset, grow your membership base, and welcome people with disabilities into all roles at your club.
Remember, inclusion isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about creating a richer, more vibrant community for everyone. Just like Fraser and the Magpies, you’ll discover that the rewards of inclusive sport are immeasurable.
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