Dion making the most of opportunities in Football South Coast summer game

The competition's organisers have discovered an innovate way to make everyone feel welcome, including Dion Kamaras. The Horsley junior has ptosis, a facial palsy and a developmental delay. When eyelids start to relax, Dion is classified as legally blind.

To help include Dion in their weekly games, FSC has put a bell in the ball.

"It's been amazing, it really means a lot to us that Dion is included in a team environment," Dion's mum Chrisanthy Kamaras said.

"One of the most important things we've learned throughout supporting Dion is encouragement and inclusiveness, so just getting him involved in everyday activities with the right type of support and modifications is important to him.

"He's definitely learning new skills and over time he will hopefully improve them, which is important. His teammates are really inclusive in playing with a ball that's modified for Dion."

Read more: Ball starting to feel at home in Wollongong

FSC chief executive officer Ann-Marie Balliana said her organisation welcomed all juniors to play the game.

"I think summer football in particular is a great opportunity for the kids that have never played before to try it out and see if they like it. We certainly promote an inclusiveness for all ages and abilities," she said.

"This has been our biggest comp ever, there's 2000 kids. And about 20 per cent of those kids didn't play football in the winter. It's a good opportunity for anyone to come and try the game."