Two-code league confirmed by AFL Barwon

Newcomb, St Joseph's, Bell Park and Geelong West will form AFL Barwon's All-Abilities football league in 2023. Left to right: (Newcomb) Anthony Altman, Scott Smith, (Bell Park) Joshua Storm, Peter Robertson, (Geelong West) Sean McKenzie, Sarah Naylor, (St Joseph's) Joshua Smith and Jai Smith. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

AFL BARWON has announced a national first, establishing Australia’s first All-Abilities Football Netball League to begin this year.

The All-Abilities Football Netball League will add an extra element of diversity and community opportunities to play in both codes, an exciting addition to AFL Barwon’s competition ranks, according to the organisation’s regional manager.

“The development of the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football Netball League is a culmination of tireless enthusiasm and resourcing, across several groups of dedicated individuals to make this League, a reality,” Edward Wilson said.

The All-Abilities football competition will be initiated in its inaugural season by four clubs: Bell Park FNC, Geelong West Giants FNC, Newcomb FNC and St Joseph’s FNC.

As part of the football league’s structure, matches will take place fortnightly with each participating club hosting the competition.

The existing All-Abilities Netball competition will be aligned to the new league. It will also look to move to a club-based operation on a weekly basis. The season fixture will be released in February.

Surf Coast Suns already boasts an All-Abilities netball side. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

The 2023 season is expected to start in the week of April 29 and run until August 12.

“AFL Barwon acknowledges the opportunity this League will provide to the local community and is grateful for the expertise of Leisure Networks, and the four inaugural Clubs, in partnership, to drive our vision and strategy,” Mr Wilson said.

“All aspects of league administration, competition and operational management have been devised with the participant and participation in mind. We believe the future of the league requires foundations that AFL Barwon and clubs alike can build from, and we’re proud of what we’ve collectively achieved.

“I am proud of the collective attitudes and commitment from several groups and individuals within our community, to make this opportunity a reality in 2023, and I thank the community in advance for their support and passion of the inaugural season – one of its kind in Australia.”

New players interesting in playing in the AFL Barwon All-Abilities League can email [email protected] for further information.