Funding committed for Integrated FootballWednesday, January 21, 2015 - 2:19 PM

WESTEREN Australia’s Integrated Football participants will receive the opportunity to take part in an AFL National Inclusion Carnival in Victoria this year thanks to a State Government grant announced by Disability Services Minister Helen Morton.

The grant will also be used to develop existing players, recruit new players, develop a pathway through WA Education Support Centres and schools to the program, and develop transport options for players to attend events.

West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) Integrated Football Coordinator Greg Gilbee said the DSC Community Inclusion and Access  Grant would enable the program to take further steps towards providing the same opportunities enjoyed in other sports through State representation and the establishment of a development pathway.

“We thank Disability Services Commission for this opportunity to grow the game,” Mr Gilbee said.

“Importantly WAAFL Integrated Football is about participation and this funding will also assist in the ongoing growth and establishment of new teams as they welcome new participants to the sport.

“The WAAFL Integrated Football Program is uniquely inclusive, providing opportunities to not only develop football skills but more importantly life and social skills through the relationships that are created at community football clubs.”

Mrs Morton said this was just one of 17 fantastic projects that would extend opportunities for people with disability to take part in arts, recreation and business activities.

“The grants aim to improve access and inclusion across the community, and are another way the State Government’s Count Me In strategy is being implemented across Western Australia,” she said.

The WAAFL has been coordinating the Integrated Football program for players with an intellectual disability for six seasons. Seven teams competed in 2014, with Kingsway winning the pennant and Integrated Football Premiership.

The West Australian Football League (WAFL) also hosted Count Me In round last season in partnership with the WAAFL, Disability Services Commission, the WA Football Commission and the Department of Sport and Recreation.

The round included a demonstration game by Integrated Football teams, Count Me In promotional activities and special guests tossing the coin to commence WAFL League games.

A WAFL Count Me In round is being planned again in 2015. 

Photo: The Integrated Football All-Stars played a curtain-raiser at Patersons Stadium last year.