Echo News Echo News
RISING soccer star Lochlan Fennell has been selected for WA’s soccer team in the 2022 Special Olympic National Games.
Thirteen-year-old Lochlan picked up the sport just four years ago after watching his uncles play, since then it has been full steam ahead for the young goalkeeper.
Having been diagnosed with autism and ADHD as a child, Lochlan’s dad Adam Fennell said the sport has allowed him to focus his energy into an activity he is passionate about.
“Before he found soccer, he wasn’t very coordinated and really didn’t get along with other children, he didn’t know how to socialise with other children,” Mr Fennell said.
“When he found soccer, he learnt skills including how to appropriately play and learn that there are rules in sports, playing sports channels his aggression.”
Lochlan plays in both the Kalamunda United Football Club’s all abilities team Equal Footingball and mainstream under 16s team.
Last year he competed in the WA state games for the Special Olympics and was awarded three gold medals for his skill and performance throughout the soccer competitions.
Now he is gearing up to compete in the 2022 Special Olympic National Games held in Launceston, Tasmania this October.
Lochlan said he is most looking forward to playing in the big stadium and hopes to bring home gold.
Mayor Margaret Thomas said stories like Lochlan’s are why clubs and groups are so important in maintaining an inclusive and connected community.
“Lochlan is the perfect example of a young person achieving wonderful things because they have been supported to do so,” she said.
Lochlan’s goal is to represent Australia in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin next year.
By Morgan de Smidt
