Lily's hockey love

Being a child who has a disability can sometimes be challenging, and often leads to the struggle of not feeling included in junior sports, particularly in regional areas.

Last week Lily McCain from Geraldton in the state’s Mid-West proved that living with Down’s Syndrome shouldn’t hold anybody back, with the 12 year old making her junior hockey debut for Yacht Club Hockey Club.

The McCain family moved to Geraldton in December last year, after residing in Perth for the past five years, and the move meant now Lily would begin high school with her best friend and cousin Indi.

Lily’s younger brother Ollie began playing this year, and whilst his family were supporting him at his first match, Julie Schwarz, whose son played alongside Ollie, approached Lily’s mum, Emily McCain, and asked whether her daughter would be interested in having a go at hockey.

Ms McCain said she was not sure whether anyone would even contact her back, and that in the past she has had to fight for Lily to be included.

“When we left, I was unsure anything would come of it, Lily had never played hockey before, in fact she had never played a team sport before,” she said.

“Without any explaining from me about expectations and capabilities, that didn’t even matter, they were just happy for her to join their team and have a go.

“I am so used to being an advocate for Lily, and in the past, I have had to ask clubs etc if they would allow Lily to attend or join, and often I am met with some hostility and a ‘no guarantee it will work out’ attitude.

“As a mum I have grown used to that response, so to be welcomed with open arms, no questions asked, was refreshing.”

Sure enough, Julie followed through on her promise and team coach Hayley McGlynn was in contact with Ms McCain within 24 hours, and Lily was off to her first training session on Monday, May 3, before playing her first match a few days later on Thursday, May 6.

Ms McGlynn said it was a no-brainer to include Lily, and that the opportunity was also amazing for her and the other children participating

“I have not really had much experience coaching children with disabilities, so I was really nervous to begin with,” she said.

“Once the game was being played, the other kids were so amazing with her, they all let her have a shot and it was just incredible to see."

“She went out there and gave it her best, I had goosebumps and my heart was just so full.”

Before the game, Ms McCain had said to Ms McGlynn that she did not mind whether Lily sat on the bench for the first match, just to learn about the game, but when an opportunity arose during the match for Lily to make her debut, she jumped at the chance to give it a try.

Both teams took the opportunity to make Lily feel included, something Ms McCain said was seen from everyone on the pitch that evening.

“Lily was allowed the opportunity to have a hit, and every time the game basically stopped as Lily took the time to prepare herself and hit the ball,” she said.

“Everyone, on both teams, just waited quietly and patiently, giving her the chance to have her hit, and cheered every time."

“The smile on Lily’s face could not have been bigger.”

For regional children with disabilities, often there is a lack of opportunity for them to engage with junior sports, as little resources and small populations lead to a lack of inclusive programs.

Ms McCain said the warm welcome that Lily and her family received was encouraging, and as a mother made her very grateful.

“It is a sad reality that often children with disabilities don’t get this opportunity and are often either left out or have to create their own clubs or teams,” she said.

Lily’s story can be seen as a guiding light and shows the benefit for not only children with disability, but also those around them, with coaches learning valuable skills, and children learning to be more accepting.

Ms McGlynn said any youngsters in the Mid-West region are always welcome with her at Yacht Club Hockey Club, regardless of disability or skill level.

“Come and play the sport, we do not mind what sort of ability you have, we will take you in,” she said.

To see the video of Lily having her first hit on the weekend, click here.