All-Abilities competition ready to kick goals

AUSTRALIA’s first All-Abilities Football Netball League competition is only days away and is set to provide greater opportunities for intellectually impaired players in the Greater Geelong region.

Four teams including Bell Park, Geelong West Giants, Newcomb and St Joseph’s will run out and make history tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, April 29) at GMHBA Stadium, adding further diversity and community opportunities for all people to play sport.

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.

 

AFL Barwon general manager Edward Wilson said the competition marked an exciting new chapter for football in the greater Geelong region.

“The AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League is the first of its kind in Australia, and we’re humbled by the responsibility to expand the provision of equitable participation opportunities in our local community.

“This brings immense pride to our entire AFL Barwon team and every team member has contributed to the development of this league and we are committed to its success and expansion in years to come.”

As the driving force behind the Geelong Dragons AFL Victoria Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) team, Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Luke Maher said it would be an incredibly proud moment to watch the teams run out this weekend.

“AFL Barwon have done a fantastic job at getting this ready to launch this Saturday… the work that they have done to support the players and coaches as adminstrators has been pretty amazing.

“Chatting with the players, they are just super excited to have the opportunity to play on GMHBA Stadium.

“Tim Downes and I been on this rollercoaster since about 2016 when we got up the Geelong Dragons. I think when Saturday comes around, we will sit back and be proud of the good work that’s been done.

“We just can’t wait to kick this season off and see how it goes.”

Kardinia Park Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin also expressed his excitement for the commencement of the competition.

“Kardinia Park is the iconic home of sport in the region and as such is the perfect venue to host the inaugural game for this Australian first, All Abilities League.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to provide unique opportunities for participation and connection, we are thrilled to host and promote this newly formed league.”

The opening round matches will kick off at 4pm and 6pm respectively, while an All-Abilities Auskick session will take place in between the games.