All-Abilities football kicks goal in first season

AFL BARWON is looking forward to celebrating the successes of their inaugural All-Abilities Football League season this weekend at Hamlyn Park.

The Australian-first competition will reach its climax tomorrow (Saturday, August 19) when the undefeated Bell Park Dragons match-up against Geelong West Giants in the Grand Final.

The finale is set to be the ultimate culmination and celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community opportunity for more than 100 people of differing abilities to play football in the greater Geelong region.

AFL Barwon general manager Edward Wilson said the 2023 season had far exceeded expectations.

“Building on previous AFL Barwon All Abilities Netball competitions, the establishment of an equitable league in 2023 across both sports, has provided more opportunities to our local community to participate and contribute in both sports.

“We believe we have a responsibility to not just administer football and netball locally but do so in a manner that delivers value to the community and ensures that regardless of skill, background and experience, everyone is able to participate, and our AAFNL is a significant aspect of that strategy.

“We are immensely grateful to the five participating AFL Barwon football netball clubs who have led and supported the inclusion of eight teams this year across football and netball.

“Their leadership and support for equitable opportunities throughout the community, has made this possible.”

He said AFL Barwon were eager to provide opportunities for more clubs to join the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League in 2024.

Leisure Networks has been a key stakeholder in helping to establish the league and say it has been extremely humbling to have seen it succeed.

“This [Grand Final] match is going to be a celebration of more than five years hard slog by the team here at Leisure Networks and all the players and their support networks and the great clubs involved in the league,” Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Luke Maher said.

“Footy is so much more than just a game, and I reckon all of the four clubs represented in the AFL Barwon Inclusion League should be rightly proud that they are enabling inclusion and access for people with disability.

“I’m just so proud of everyone who has been involved.”

In the spirit of inclusion, Newcomb and St Josephs will also face off on Saturday in a curtain raiser consolation Grand Final matchup at 4.30pm.

For more information, head to the 2023 AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League page on PlayHQ.