The Newcastle Jets assisted with the Endeavour Industries Football Gala Day for people with intellectual disabilities today.
The Newcastle Jets took time out from their busy pre-season schedule to lend a helping hand at the Endeavour Industries Football Gala Day at Cessnock PCYC today.
Nearly the entire senior squad, as well as head coach Gary van Egmond, assisted with the Gala Day for people with intellectual disabilities.
The only absentees were captain Jobe Wheelhouse, who is recovering from foot surgery, Tiago Calvano, who is with family in Brazil, and Mark Brirghitti who is fulfilling his Asian Champions League commitments with Adelaide United.
The Jets players did not hesitate to get involved in the football matches and also mingled with fans, signed autographs and posed for photos.
Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich said the event was a showcase of the way football could unite a community.
“It was great to see so many people out there, it-s a lovely day for it and the turnout was great,” he said.
“It was nice to see so many players in the Jets team willing to help and mix in with everyone there.
“It shows you how football is a sport that can bring everyone together.”
Newcastle Jets off-season recruit James Brown echoed Zadkovich-s sentiments, saying he enjoyed the opportunity to get out in the Hunter community for the first time.
“It-s the first community event that I-ve been involved in with the Club and it has been a pleasure to come out and meet some of the people and our fans,” he said.
“Everyone looked like they really enjoyed themselves and it was great fun for us as players as well.”
In total, 11 teams and more than 80 players took part in the Gala Day which featured organisations including Endeavour Industries, Life Without Barriers, Lifestyle Solutions, Castle Personnel, Cessnock High School, Muswellbrook High School, Whitmore, Allambi Youth Services, Mai Wel and Connectability.
