The Australian Cerebral Palsy national team will kick off their IFCPF World Cup tonight.
887 days since their last international outing, the Pararoos are set to take on Iran in Spain, marking a huge moment for all abilities football in the country.
Led by stalwart skipper David Barber, the green and gold are aiming to finish inside the top ten for the first time in their history, having come just short in three previous attempts, grouped alongside tonight’s opponents and the USA.
IFCPF football works slightly different to FIFA-regulated matches.
Played on a smaller pitch with smaller goals, each team starts a game with seven players, with matches containing two 30-minute halves.
Other rules that may catch newcomers to the game unaware is the lack of the offside rule, while throw-ins are replaced with the act of rolling the ball in from the side.
18-year old Jeremy Boyce is embarking on his first IFCPF World Cup campaign, and is ready to make his mark on the team, and the tournament as a whole.
“We’re ready for Spain,” said Boyce when speaking on the Pararoos’ official Instagram page.
“I’ve got, I guess, a point to prove that I’ve got the ability to stay in the team for a long time.
“I feel ready personally and I know all the other boys are and we’ve got a goal over there in Spain and I think we’re going to be able to hit that.”
The Pararoos will take on Iran to commence their IFCPF World Cup campaign, with kick off scheduled for 11:30pm AEST, to be streamed live on the My Football YouTube channel.
Image Source: Football Australia
