Leisure Networks and AFL Barwon secure state gong

LEISURE Networks and AFL Barwon’s inaugural All-Abilities Football Netball League has secured a major title at the 2023 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.

The Australian-first competition was rewarded with the Sport and Recreation Victoria Sport Initiative of the Year title on Tuesday this week at Marvel Stadium.

The 2023 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards recognised the accomplishments of people with disability; those who support them and the inclusive sport and recreation sector across the state.

The AFL Barwon All-Abilities Football Netball League focused on celebrating diversity, inclusion and community opportunity on a local scale.

It provided more than 100 people of differing abilities with the chance to play football in the Greater Geelong region.

A total of four teams competed in the inaugural competition – Newcomb Power, St Josephs, Bell Park Dragons and Geelong West Giants.

The league came to a climax in August, when Bell Park raised the premiership cup.

Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Luke Maher said he was absolutely overjoyed to have the initiative secure statewide honours.

“It’s the first time Leisure Networks has won an award like this one, and to do it alongside AFL Barwon was pretty cool.

“It’s a fantastic touch and collective reward for our organisation, AFL Barwon, the 100 players partaking, their parents and support networks, the clubs and the 500 volunteers who have made this into what it is.

“The concept and delivery of the league has been a total collaboration, and we are super proud.”

AFL Barwon general manager Edward Wilson said their organisation was honoured to be named as winners alongside Leisure Networks.

“[The awards] showed us that there’s a phenomenal amount of people throughout the community who do so much work to make impact.

“That’s what we want to do, is create as much equitable opportunity and there’s a lot more to do.

“That’s what our partnership with Leisure Networks is all about, in creating the Inclusion League to find opportunities for people in the Barwon region – in football and in netball.”

Leisure Networks and AFL Barwon will be meeting in the coming weeks to plan the rollout of the 2024 competition.