Matt Zarb was at a loss about how to bring Rainbow Warriors FC players together in 2020.
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With the football season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club founder wanted to find an alternative avenue for players to socialise and be active.
Now with assistance from Manning Valley Cycle Club (MVCC), the Warriors will trade their boots and balls for helmets and pedals in a bid to raise funds for Autism Australia.
On Sunday, July 5, the Warriors will take part in the Ride for Autism at the Taree criterium track (near Saxby's Stadium).
For our kids, it's a social thing so when the season was stopped it was hard for everyone.
- Matt Zarb
All players will be encouraged to bring their bike or scooter and ride along with teammates, parents and carers while raising money for the important cause.
Matt said the ride would give players and the club committee a morale boost after the season was cancelled.
"It's going to be great for these kids because my heart was flat when we made the decision (to cancel the season)," Matt said.
"If we weren't able to do something, by the time they get back on the field next year it would have been two years since they'd seen each other."
To fill the void left by the cancelled season, Matt has been riding daily with son Marli, who has autism.
"He's gotten so much out of riding," Matt said.
When Autism Australia launched the 2020 Ride for Autism, Matt quickly registered himself, Marli and a neighbour as a fundraising team.
Then it dawned on him - why not get the entire club involved. Plans were soon put in place and before long the ride was confirmed.
Each player will wear their Rainbow Warriors jersey, which Matt says is something they hold dear.
Matt will meet with MVCC president Michael Cross this morning (Friday) to see how the ride will be supported.
"We will hopefully have some mainstream riders involved, riding along with the kids on the track," Matt said.
COVID-19 regulations will also be strongly enforced.
"We will be able to be socially distant on the track and the kids will be able to see each other as they ride at their own pace," Matt said.
He believed the ride could be the makings of a 'Warriors Cycle Club' during the football off-season.
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With many players considered high risk with pre-existing medical conditions, it was a heartbreaking but necessary decision to not proceed with football this year.
"For our kids, it's a social thing so when the season was stopped it was hard for everyone," Matt said.
"There wasn't a lot we could do given the guidelines and we wouldn't have enough support people that we would need."
To donate to the ride, visit www.rideforautism.org.au/fundraisers/RainbowWarriorsFC
The Rainbow Warriors are always open to more members. Matt can be contacted on 0431 126 366 for more information.
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