Who we are
The Purple Hearts are a group of footballers with a disability who were formed by the Randwick City Football Club in 2010 to provide people with a disability the opportunity to play football and develop a love of the game.
The Purple Hearts are made up of two teams: juniors (aged 7-13) and seniors (14+), and anyone with a disability can join.
Who can join?
It's open to both boys and girls, and men and women, and you can join even if you live outside the Eastern Suburbs area.
When and where do Purple Hearts train?
The Purple Hearts train every Wednesday starting in February and finishing in September. Training sessions follow the school term and are held in the school hall of Matraville Sports High School (see map). The juniors train from 4.45-5.30pm and the seniors from 5.30-6.30pm.
Read about what happens at training here.
What about games?
The Purple Hearts play games against other teams made up of people with a disability and are held at various times during the year.
This year, Football NSW organised a competition called Football4All League. Games in this competition are played on the last Sunday of every month.
In the summer, the senior players play in the Football NSW Athletes with a Disability Futsal Competition which usually runs from October until end of January.
Does it cost?
Joining the Purple Hearts is FREE!
Do I get a uniform?
Every player who joins gets a uniform (jersey, socks and shorts). The uniform is free.
How do I join?
If you'd like to join the Purple Hearts or come along to one of our training sessions to see what it's all about, complete our online form here and one of us will be in touch with you real soon.
Want to know more?
Please contact Ben Folino, Program Director on 0419 973 631 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Further information for the 2019 season can be found in the following documents:
Good Evening Ladies And Gentlemen,
My name is Max Williams.
I play with the Purple Hearts because I have a disability called Autism and an intellectual delay.
I have been invited to say a few words.
I commenced playing football for Purple Hearts in February 2016. I was very worried about playing football because 1) I had never played football before 2) I didn’t know how to play and 3) I didn’t like football.
For the first practice, my Father was given the job of taking me to training. This was a disaster when my Father and I got lost and couldn’t find the right place and the kickoff was closed.
Finally we found the right place and I was able to train for 5 minutes. The next training was much better but I still didn’t enjoy it. Fortunately, I had the best coach in the world; Ben Folino! He is awesome because he is gentle, encouraging, nurturing, compassionate and generous.
Soon after this, Ben invited the Purple Hearts to a Gala Day at Centennial Parklands. It was fun because I met a lot of people and I earned the name Mighty Max.
I still didn’t know how to play the game but the other men nurtured me. This helped me to learn some skills and encouraged me to finally kick the ball.
Part of being Autistic means I am unable to make friends and social connections.
Becoming a member of Purple Hearts has transformed my life and enabled me to be a member of a sports team and community.
This has widened my participation in society.
I know that this will stay throughout my life by meeting people, exercising and playing in a sports team are just some of the wonderful benefits Purple Hearts has given me.
Thank you so much!
Max Williams
Where we train
How to reach us
- Ben Folino, Co-ordinator 0419 973 631
- Contact Us
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
