All abilities football was back for regional students as the second year of our Footy For All carnival was a smash hit in Bunbury and Albany

The two football carnivals provided primary schools and education support centres across the South West and Great Southern with the chance to come together for some inclusive round-robin style footy alongside their favourite mascots Rick and Rosie.

This year saw over 140 students and close to 100 teachers, volunteers and support staff participating, with the carnivals aiming to raise awareness and increase junior numbers in one of the many Starkick centres across WA.

Footy For All was another collaborative effort between the West Coast Eagles, WA All Abilities Football Association and Starkick to provide inclusive football opportunities across the state, as SEDA College WA and local volunteers played their part throughout both carnivals.

The carnival highlights that all kids of any ability can play footy, a message reinforced by Starkick Coordinator Rob Geersen through their motto – if you want to play, we’ll find a way.

“It’s been a great couple days back in Bunbury and the Great Southern alongside West Coast and SEDA giving kids with disabilities the opportunity to play footy and the smiles have said it all,” Geersen said.

“It’s just been a great engagement for the kids, the teachers and the schools, and we just want that to flow on into the wider community. It’s a stepping stone for the kids to understand that they can play footy and connect to their local community clubs be it in Bunbury or Albany or even Manjimup.

“What this carnival is doing and particularly the partnership we have with the West Coast Eagles is it’s putting a spotlight on this area of football and showing that anyone can play.”

“Whether it’s kids playing Starkick or wheelchair football, having these partners working together just reinforces that message and the impact we’re having together is amazing.”

This ongoing collaboration was kicked off with the Festival of Footy at Eagles HQ earlier in the year, however the opportunity to provide regional youth with their own inclusive carnivals is an important one.

"Today has been amazing and so well organised. It’s an amazing opportunity to have this down in the regions and we’re so grateful we’ve been able to participate as it really provides that sense of community and well-being allowing all of our students no matter their ability to be involved."

- Angie Davies, Newton Moore Education Support Centre Teacher

The impactful partnership between the club, WA All Abilities Football Association and Starkick will be put on display at half-time in Round 19 as regional Starkick participants play on Optus Stadium during our clash against the Tigers.

To get involved with these inclusive football programs head to allabilitiesfooty.com.au or starkick.com.au.

Story Credit: westcoasteagles.com.au