The Ringwood Spiders, a football club for people with disabilities, is one of 14 teams within the Football Integration Development Association League.

The Ringwood Spiders have been participating in pre-season training and have have introduced new squads to encourage participation within the team.

The Cheerleader Squad will be making its debut at the first Ringwood Spiders Game for 2009 and has been guided by former Councillor Jo-anne Taylor who has helped organise participants for the squad.

The Cheerleader Squad provides an opportunity for people with disabilities who are unable to play football but would like to be involved in a club environment within a more social role.

The Ringwood Spiders in conjunction with Lakeside Cafe have also begun a Junior Development Squad, which is aimed at children aged 14-16 with a disability. The Junior Development Squad provides a program for children to become involved in the Spiders, in the same way that Junior Football Clubs can provide a transition for Senior teams.

The Ringwood Spiders are playing four home games this season:

• Sunday the 26th of April;
• Sunday the 31st of May;
• Sunday the 28th of June, and
• Sunday the 26th of July.

All games begin at 11am and are held at Jubilee Park in Ringwood.

Individuals and businesses are able to sponsor players for $150 to assist in providing equipment for the team.

For the 2009 season I will again be sponsoring Tom Raisebeck, a local resident who is now in his second season with the Ringwood Spiders.