A heartwarming display of inclusion, community, and belonging, perfectly sums up the Starkick Festival of Football held at Ernest Johnson Reserve on Friday the 15th of September 2023.

A collaboration between the WA Football Commission, Fremantle Dockers Purple Hands Foundation and SEDA Group saw over 180 students from 11 education support schools and centres across Perth converge to play footy, make friends and importantly, have fun! The Carnival now in it's second year, is a true testament to the power of inclusion and togetherness, as it showcased a football event like no other.

In the lead up to the event SEDA DIploma Students were tasked to help plan, fundraise and host a series of football clinics for students leadng into the carnival. On the day the SEDA students shone even brighter by leading each Schools teams as both Coach and mentors throughout the carnival. Such was their impact Ryan Johnston from South Ballajura ESC wrote;

" I wanted to highlight the young men and women from SEDA who I thought were fantastic.  They were great with the kids, understood what the carnival was about, and demonstrated such great leadership qualities.  Future leaders in the mix there - the students from South Balljurra ESC really enjoyed their time with them."

Mr Mac from Gwynne Park Ed Support Centre went on to say, "It was so wonderful to see all our Ed Support students participate in the AFL games, especially our students who live with physical disabilities."

"We are also so grateful for the SEDA students for the delightful way they interacted with all our players. Our staff were impressed with their patience and amazing skills to engage our team of players throughout the day."

We are so excited to once again see, through events such as the Starkick Carnival that Football truly is "The game for all West Australians"

To view all the photos from this event please follow this link | Starkick Festival of Football Photos 

** Schools wishing to particpate or arrange in school activations please email starkick@wafc.com.au to find out how we can help your students get invovled in football - The Game for all West Australians.