Players with Disabilities Take National Stage Through Launch of Rise Inclusion Football AcademyThursday, September 1, 2022 - 9:57 AM

The WA All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA) will this week launch the very first Rise Inclusion Academy, together with partners Rise Network.

The academy provides a unique, first-of-its-kind opportunity for players with disabilities where chosen teams will be put on show for selection in the WA AFL Inclusion State Team in 2022, of whom travel to South Australia in November this year.  

Each club in the Perth Football League Integrated Competition has invited select players to compete in a Draft Combine presented by the WA Football AFL Talent Academy, where forty players will be selected to play in three exhibition matches.

Aimed at footballers with a disability aged 16 years and above, the Academy will centre around the development of football, wellbeing and leadership, with a view for long-term installation in the Integrated football calendar.

WA All Abilities Executive Officer, Hayden Marchetto said the Rise Inclusion Academy was a ground-breaking move for the league, providing its players with exposure on a national level.

“It’s great to see even more opportunity for players with disabilities be made part of the football calendar,” he said.

“This is a massive step for the Integrated competition and one which will lead to much wider growth in future years.”

WA Football Commission State Talent Manager, Adam Jones said it’s great to be expanding these opportunities for people with disabilities, and he is looking forward to seeing the players in action.

“To be able to provide such an exciting opportunity for the league’s Integrated players is fantastic. I’m looking forward to getting in on the action at the Draft Combine and playing a part in the player selection.”

The first game of the season will officially kick off on October 12, where Disability Services Minister Don Punch will attend and kick off the competition.

Rise Network has been named the founding partner of the academy, which as a company support Western Australians with disabilities through home care, access to community services, and wider opportunities to live great lives.

For more information on the Rise Inclusion Academy, please see: https://www.allabilitiesfooty.com.au/inclusion-football-academy