Capital Football launches Canberra United All Abilities Academy

He turned to athletics because there were minimal opportunities for players with disabilities in the 1990s. But that all changed when the Pararoos program was launched ahead of the Sydney Paralympic Games.

Driscoll was a part of the inaugural Pararoos squad, playing for Australia from 1999-2007.

And now he's bringing more than two decades worth of knowledge and experience to the Canberra United All Abilities Academy.

Capital Football launched the ACT's first dedicated football academy for people with a disability this year, open to all players with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms acquired from a stroke.

Driscoll has joined the club as a player but wants to eventually transition into a coaching role.

"I still have that drive to want to play. Sometimes my body can't quite keep up with these guys but I still want to try," Driscoll said.

"Eventually I will want to become one of the coaches here and mentor the younger guys, showing them how to become better footballers.

"[The Academy] is trying to develop the next generation. I don't necessarily put myself out there in the program, it's more for these guys ... and trying to instil the values and learning I've learnt playing soccer. We become a family and play for each other. It's a wonderful feeling."

The Canberra United All Abilities Academy is believed to be the first of its kind aligned with an A-League or W-League club.

Nineteen players have joined the inaugural squad coached by Kelly Stirton, including 10-year-old Jayden Wallace-Bourne.

The Academy trains twice a week and provides players an opportunity to represent the territory at the CP Football Nationals and National Futsal Championships.

Tuggeranong United's Luc Launder splits his time between the Academy and NPL Youth training, with the 15-year-old on the fringe of the Pararoos squad.

Launder viewed the Academy as a chance to leave a legacy, saying he wanted to grow both on and off the field.

"[The Academy] has been good, you're able to see other people's disabilities and you have to adapt to that and learn," Launder said.

"It also helps you adapt to other people not just in football, but understanding what they're going through ... it helps you not only as a footballer but as a person.

"Being one of the youngest players it helps a lot because you can see it as a chance to leave a legacy. That's what i want to do. I don't want to just be another footballer, I want to be remembered for a while."

Launder represented the ACT at last year's CP Football Nationals and caught the eye of Pararoos coach Kai Lammert. His dream was to follow in Driscoll's footsteps and play for Australia.

"It would mean a lot because it's every sports player's dream to play for their country," Launder said.

"When I first heard I could make it, it was a bit surreal. Now I've learned a bit, I can't wait to break in and play.

"It wasn't until nationals and I talked to the head coach Kai [Lammert] and I thought I might have a shot here. I might be able to become more than just another player."

Canberra United All-Abilities Academy 2020 squad: Greg Hibberd, Jason Driscoll, Adam Cunningham, Adam Harty, Jayden Wallace-Bourne, Ashby Gardiner-Garden, Olivia Runting, Ethan Sonter, Matilda Mason, Nathan Howard, Christian Valeri, Adrian Araya, Luke Summerfield, Luc Launder, Isaac Wilcox, Shaun Gower, Andrew Hoatson and Patrick Heath Jeffery.