Inclusion Football Carnival Heads SouthMonday, March 18, 2024 - 2:42 PM

The WA All Abilities Football Association has combined with Starkick to stage an inclusion football carnival and sundowner in Bunbury and Albany.

More than 100 people attended the events over two days with South West community members, disability organisations and staff from local schools part of the initiative.

The carnival and sundowner were an opportunity to hear about the great work Starkick and WA All Abilities Football Association are doing to grow disability football from juniors as young as five years old to seniors.

WAAAFA Executive Officer, Hayden Marchetto said the sundowners were an opportunity to engage more West Australians in football.

“Football serves as a cornerstone in building community connections and fostering inclusivity," Marchetto said.

“We were excited to host footy carnivals tailored to individuals of all abilities in Bunbury and Albany.

 “Our programs allow people with a disability to be involved and participate in Australian rules football like every other Australian.

"We'd like to thank the West Coast Eagles for their wonderful support of the carnival.

"Their ongoing partnership has made a significant difference to the community," Marchetto said.

Bunbury was represented by Geographe Education Support Centre, Newton Moore Education Support Centre, and Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, while Albany had participants from Spencer Park Education Support Centre and Albany Secondary Education Support Centre.

As part of the road trip, the WA All Abilities Football Association also held two Kickability Sessions at local schools.

Starkick is an all-inclusive football program for children from the ages of 5-17 with or without disability.

There are currently 24 centres around the state and this program is part of the player pathway program for participants with disability.

The WA All Abilities Football Association is a football program for adults with disability and runs competitions such as wheelchair football, Integrated Football, and the National Inclusion Carnival.