WA All Abilities Take Home Prestigious Award

WA All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA) has been recognised for its state-wide initiatives to engage people with disabilities in grass-roots football. 

WAAAFA won the Disability and Access Inclusion Award, sponsored by the Activ Foundation, at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Diversity and Inclusion Awards in Perth on Friday, July 19. 

Hayden Marchetto, Executive Officer WA All Abilities Football Association, was delighted to accept the award on behalf of his team. 

“This recognition is an acknowledgement of our team’s dedication to creating opportunities for all abilities and connecting meaningful relationships within our community,” Marchetto said. 

The beginning of WA All Abilities can be traced back to 2009 when a group of Perth Football League clubs, led by life member Peter Grosser, established the Integrated Football Program for participants with an intellectual disability. 

WAAAFA also collaborates with the West Australian Football Commission to deliver footy programs for people with disabilities from Albany to Broome. 

“A special thank you to our staff, including Rob Geersen, Tom Medhat, Samantha Otway and Ryan Zilioli, whose hard work and dedication make a significant difference,” said Marchetto. 

“In the words of Rob Geersen and Starkick clubs, “If you want to play, we’ll find a way.”