Football for all

THE first weekend of the AFL Barwon All-Abilities Football League has sailed right through the goals, with the four participating teams beaming with excitement after making Australian sporting history.

Players from Bell Park, Geelong West Giants, Newcomb and St Joseph’s all ran out on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium and made history in the first games of Australia’s first All-Abilities football league, adding further diversity and community opportunities for all people to play sport in the region.

Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Luke Maher shaking the St Joseph’s players’ hands.

The two games went down as thrilling close matchups and were dazzled with great shows of sportsmanship and spirit, none more than during the Bell Park v St Joseph’s game when the Bell Park full back marked the ball and then turned around to hand pass to the St Joseph’s forward, allowing him to kick his first goal.

All the players then surrounded the goalkicker and gave him high fives and a cuddle, showcasing the united front of all players on the day.

Jai Smith delivering a speech to his players before the game.

St Joseph’s coach Jai Smith said those a part of the history making occasion could not wipe the huge smiles off their faces.

“It ran absolutely beautifully and the players and their families loved the opportunity of running out at Kardinia Park.

“To go from the one Geelong Dragons FIDA side to the four sides in this Australian first competition is just a great thing to see.

“The St Joeys club has fully gotten behind the team… we had about 350 people in our clubrooms for the jumper presentation… the support has been phenomenal.

“The games were played in great spirits and the crowd involvement was huge… we can’t wait for the rest of the season to unfold.”

AFL Barwon General Manager Edward Wilson also cited the extraordinary energy radiating around the stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“Saturday was an extremely humbling and proud moment for the team to kick off the inaugural AFLB Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League.

“The League provides an equitable opportunity for many within the region to either participate in the sport they love or be welcomed into the sport for the first time.

“We’re looking forward to the season ahead.”

Players from four teams played off in the history-making All-Abilities football games.

The new competition has been supported and initiated through the hard work of community service organisation Leisure Networks, AFL Barwon and Kardinia Park Trust, who have jumped on board as the major sponsor for the region’s new league.

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