Starkick History

 

2015

  • Founded and launched by the Coolbinia Bombers Junior football Club the first Starkick session was held on Sunday the 28th of April 2015 and 9 News covered the historic day. 
  • In its first year 47 children with disabilites joined as members, with some parents travelling 100's of kilometres to attend.
  • Fremantle Dockers Football club partner to support the program through providing footballs and player visits. 
  • The Starkick motto was set - "If you want to play, we will find a way!"

2016

Joondalup-Kinross JFC launches as a new Starkick centre.

The Starkick program wins a number of State and National Awards including; 

2017

  • East Fremantle JFC joins as the 3rd Starkick centre.
  • For the first time ever players came together for a series of games on Langley Park as part of the Metro Central Gala Day.  9 News were on hand to cover the historic occasion when Starkick players got to pull on their club jumper, just like everyone else. 

2018

  • Quinns Bulls become the 4th Starkick centre in WA.
  • Curtin University and Ability Centre undertake a 12 month study to the benefits of Starkick for children.
  • Researchers invited to present their findings at a Global Paediatric conference held in Paris, France. 
  • As more clubs become interested FFC helped compile a Testimonial video to help spread the word further to more community clubs.
  • Starkick players get to particpate half time of the WAFL Grand final held at Optus stadium

2019

  • North Mandurah JFC joins the Starkick family.
  • Starkick clubs join the fun at the Metro North Gala day where players from the Perth Football League Integrated competition come along to Umpire and lend their support. 
  • Fremantle Football Club continue player visits and support, as Starkick clubs come together for a fun night of Starkick under lights

2020

  • Ryan Plummer is the first Starkick player to transitions from the junior program to join the Senior (Adult) Integrated Competiton.
  • Sorrento-Duncraig JFC and Kingsway JFC join as the newest Starkick centres.

2021

  • Carey Park in the South West, become the first club outside Perth metro to launch Starkick.
  • Piara Waters JFC and Mt Helena JFC launch their Starkick teams.
  • A Starkick Co-ordinator appointed by the WAFC to assist clubs and help further grow the program.
  • Starkick teams feature at half time of the WAFL grand final held at Optus stadium.
  • Ownership of the Starkick trademark and responsibility for supporting the program transfers from the Coolbinia JFC to the Western Australian Football Commission. 

2022

  • New metro Starkick centres launch at Warnbro Swans JFC, High Wycombe JFC, Ellenbrook JFC,
  • Manjimup JFC in the South West as well as SDJFA Albany in the Great Southern extend Starkick into more regional areas
  • The first Starkick centre in the North West launches from Karratha Kats FC
  • A total of 15 Starkick centres now running across Perth metro, the South West and the Great Southern
  • Starkick website launched.
  • Starkick becomes an official partner of the Fremantle Football Clubs, Purple Hands Foundation
  • Starkick clubs invited to play half time of Purple Hands Foundation Round - Fremantle v Brisbane, Optus Stadium
  • Inaugural Starkick Carnival for Education Support Primary Schools
  • Starkick Coordinator Janine Gaskell - Wins WA Football Volunteer of the Year and AFL Disability and Inclusion Volunteer of the year. 
  • Deaf and HoH pilot run in partnership with Deaf Sports Australia and WADSRA

2023

Starkick joins Kimberley 9's Carnival in Broome
 

2024

  • New metro Starkick centres launch at Redcliffe JFC, Stirling Saints, JFC, South Coogee JFC
  • New regional centres launch in Broome, Dunsborough and Kalgoorlie
  • Starkick Optus Stadium "Half time takeover" First time in Australia with 88 players with diability from 19 Starkick centres across Perth