While kicking goals at work and supporting people in their communities to achieve their goals, a group of Ability Options colleagues got together outside of work to kick some goals on the pitch, forming their own Oztag team – the AO Tigers.
Debuting for their first season, the AO Tigers stormed the field and took home their first Grand Final Trophy.
Luke Cook, an Ability Options Practice Manager and Tigers player shared the exciting news, highlighting the strong sense of camaraderie that defines the team.
“Playing as a team together outside of the work environment helped us get to know each other and learn to work better together as a team, and being on the field helped strengthen how we can work together to achieve a collective goal,” he says.
Originally formed last year as a mixed touch football team, the Tigers persevered through the challenges of their initial season.
Transitioning to Oztag this winter, the team focused on fun and friendship, registering both a men’s team and a mixed team for the upcoming season.
“Our primary goal was always to enjoy ourselves and strengthen our bonds outside of work,” Luke says, “Winning the grand final was an amazing bonus!”
After a rocky start, where they suffered two losses, the Tigers found their stride and went on an impressive winning streak. Luke Cook praised the team, including Luke Anderson, Tim Jones, and Shaun Thurlow, for their contributions both on and off the field.
A standout moment for Luke was witnessing Daniel Suters excel during key games.
“It was incredible to see him step up and perform so well,” he says.
“Beyond the matches, the true highlight for the team comes after the games, as we gather for a beer and share laughs about the games we play.”
Luke says that this spirit of mateship is what makes the experience so special.
As the team looks to the future, Luke hopes to see participants get interested in joining the teams and potentially another mixed side in the upcoming season. For now, the AO Tigers are celebrating their triumph, embodying the values of sportsmanship and community that Ability Options stands for.
