All Abilities Heads to Broome

For the first time, WA All Abilities Football Association will host a come-and-try day and an information session in Broome on Thursday 18th April, featuring a West Coast Eagles club champion. 

With football being a major factor in creating thriving communities, WAAAFA along with its new coach former West Coast Eagles defender Brad Sheppard, has set its sights on creating a program for people with a disability to be involved in and participate in Australian Rules Football like every other Australian. 

This is a great opportunity for Broome community members, disability organisations and staff from local schools to witness all-abilities football and hear about the great work WAAAFA are doing to grow disability football across the state. 

WAAAFA Executive Officer Hayden Marchetto is excited to launch the new program. 

“It’s fantastic to have Brad Sheppard join the team and provide quality experience to our new participants,” Marchetto said. 

“Football is so popular in this region and to deliver a football program for people with disability is all part of making football the game for all Western Australians, and the best part is you don’t have to have any experience playing footy.” 

As part of the weekend, Starkick will also launch their new centre in Broome on Saturday 20th April with a come and try day. 

The all-abilities program is aimed at children aged between 5-17 who are unable to participate in mainstream sports and provides an opportunity for their families to join in on the fun. 

Starkick currently has 24 centres and will continue to expand across metro and regional areas of the State. 

West Australian Football Commission Inclusion Specialist, Rob Geersen is looking forward to the Broome visit. 

“Thanks to the Broome community who have embraced the Starkick program and worked with local football clubs and the broader community to open the Broome Starkick Centre, it’s a wonderful achievement,” Geersen said. 

“I’m looking forward to meeting the families at our come and try day and seeing everyone enjoy themselves. 

“Football is not about the scoreboard results, it’s about everyone having the opportunity to participate in the game they love.” 

All-Abilities Integrated Football (16+)  

Date | Thursday, 18th April 2024   

Time | Come & Try session 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm, followed by an information session from 6.30 pm.  

Location | Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre Oval   

Starkick (children 5 – 17 years)  

Date | Saturday, 20th April 2024   

Time | Training, Come & Try 8:00 am – 9:00 am  

Location | West Kimberley Junior Football League (Nipper Roe Oval)  

Register to play | https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/50f30a