Campbelltown City Soccer Club paves the way for inclusive sport
Bradley Brider
Sport4All Inclusion Coach – Campbelltown City Council, South Australia.
How a local club is turning awareness into action with Sport4All
Creating truly inclusive sport isn’t just about improving accessibility, it’s about a commitment to learning, adapting, and taking action. Campbelltown City Soccer Club is showing exactly what that looks like, ensuring that every player, coach, and community member feels welcome and valued.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the club for a Sport4All session, where we explored practical ways to build a more inclusive sporting culture. But their journey started well before this, driven by leaders who saw the importance of making meaningful changes.
A Club that listens and acts
Campbelltown City Soccer Club’s involvement with Sport4All began through Campbelltown City Council’s Depot Manager Mario Scalzi, a former club board member who saw an opportunity to create a more inclusive environment. This led to an introduction with Chairman Don Leombruno and Secretary Julie Ciccocioppo, who were eager to bring inclusion into the club’s long-term vision.
Their commitment was clear from the beginning. Don attended our first meeting just days after knee surgery, highlighting how much he values inclusion in sport. His dedication set the tone for the club’s willingness to take action, not just for the sake of compliance, but to genuinely improve access for all.
Understanding Inclusion Beyond Words
The Sport4All session at the club wasn’t about theory, it was about experience.
One of the most effective ways to shift perceptions is through firsthand insight, so I introduced the group to vision simulation glasses, challenging them to complete simple tasks like reading slides or using their phones. This sparked immediate reflection on how environments can unintentionally create barriers for people with disability and what clubs can do to change that.
One key message that resonated with the group was:
“You don’t know what you don’t know, and that’s okay. But once you do, how can you start making a difference?”
That mindset shift is critical. Many clubs worry about getting things wrong, but inclusion is a journey of learning, not perfection. Campbelltown City SC embraced this, eager to turn awareness into action.
Real Change Starts with Real Decisions
This club is already leading by example. One of the most powerful actions they’ve taken is installing a lift in their clubrooms, a decision that restored dignity and independence for a valued club member who previously had to be carried upstairs just to be part of the community.
This isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about changing the way clubs think about inclusion, not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to make sport genuinely welcoming for everyone.
Next Steps: Turning Momentum into Long-Term Change
Campbelltown City Soccer Club understands that inclusion isn’t a one-time initiative. They’re now looking to:
- Involve coaches and players, not just administrators, in future inclusion efforts
- Develop a practical Action Plan tailored to their club’s structure and community
- Celebrate and promote their disability champions to inspire other clubs to take action
Their willingness to keep learning and evolving sets an example for community sport across Australia.
Sport4All: Helping Clubs Create Lasting Impact
This is what Sport4All is about, supporting clubs to take real steps toward inclusion, without fear of getting it wrong. The key is starting the conversation, identifying barriers, and making changes that create a lasting impact.
Campbelltown City Soccer Club is showing how sport can be more than just competition, it can be a force for connection, opportunity, and meaningful inclusion. I look forward to working alongside them as they continue to build a sporting culture where everyone has a place.
About Bradley Brider
Bradley Brider is the Inclusion Coach for Campbelltown City Council, South Australia, working closely with Sport4All to help local sports clubs and organisations create truly inclusive environments. With a deep passion for accessibility in sport, Bradley brings both lived experience and high-performance expertise to his role.
A decorated Australian Blind Cricket player, Bradley has proudly represented the country multiple times on the international stage. He has been a key figure in the sport, having previously served as the Vice Captain of the Australian Blind Cricket side, and was recognised as the Player of the Tournament at the 2023 National Cricket Inclusion Championships. He has also participated in the development of the game at a grass routes level in his role as Vice President of Blind Cricket South Australia.
Bradley’s work with Sport4All is driven by his belief that sport should be for everyone. Through hands-on education, practical tools, and real-life insights, he is helping clubs take meaningful steps towards breaking down barriers and ensuring that more people have the opportunity to participate in sport.
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