For the average watcher at Optus, the half-time take over may be a wholesome watch of kids getting to experience playing on the top oval in WA, but for these kids it’s so much more. Traveling far and wide, from Geraldton, Busselton, Dunsborough, Albany, South Bunbury and Lake Grace these regional kids came together to showcase their skills and got to go home feeling like heroes.

Keegan from the Dunsborough Junior Football club Starkick loves going to Optus. His Dad, James, said that “it really makes a special day for him, and the excitement is next level for weeks before and after. His confidence takes a huge boost, he walks around Dunsborough telling everyone he’s a famous footy player, offering autographs to anyone who wants one (and anyone who doesn’t…)”

“His aim was to kick a goal at Optus, and he did it!”

Levi Carruthers is a six-year-old boy from Lake Grace and was one of the many regional Starkick Kids that got to experience the half-time take over for round 22’s West Coast versus Collingwood game. Living with down syndrome, his verbal communication is limited and mainly communicates using Auslan, but Levi has taken to footy like a fish in water, “It’s another avenue for Levi to belong and play with his peers.”

“He enjoyed it, given his dad’s friendship with Liam Baker.” Liam Baker coming out through the telethon guard of honour and stopping to say hello to his former teammate’s son provided a second level of closeness to the game for these kids. Baker played with Levi’s father, Justin, at the beginning of his junior footy career at Lake Grace Football Club. Like most country towns, football is an important part of the community. “Being able to still be involved is pretty special,” says Narelle, an inclusion specialist at All Ability Football; “Levi has his teammates, his dad still gets to see him play at the same club he used to play at with Liam.” Baker even says in a past interview about his inspiration from country footy, "Footy out there is important for the town and the community. Even playing juniors, we'd watch the league after, and if it was a home game we'd stay for dinner and leave at 8.30-9pm… You're playing with your mates, your Mum and Dad are there with their mates, and the culture of the footy club is important.” (LINK Western Australia star Liam Baker draws inspiration from country footy for State of Origin battle)

“It was different because it was personal.” Narelle was teary eyed watching Levi thrive on the field at Optus, seeing West Coast players get around to celebrate everyone’s goals. She even saw him putting his imaginary mouthguard in his sock to take a shot at goal, which he’d been practicing in the stands before his time on the field, signing ‘mouthguard’ to Narelle. She says that “There’s so much joy in being a part of Starkick. Not just about the kids but seeing the joy in the parents as well… being a part of that is a privilege.”

Tanya, who came from the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Starkick crew, took a 14-hour train to Perth for the event on her own accord to support the three kids from the club and their families. “Everyone thought it was exciting, and there was a great response from the spectators… We’re super privileged to have had the experience.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how much love and joy footy brings him.” Claire, Toby’s mum comments on a video of her son kicking a goal that day at Optus. 

With photos of them plastered onto the front page of the West Australian and over social media, the inside connection made the experience even more special. After their experience at Optus, going back to school and talking to their peers about it, “it made them feel like heroes.”

From AFL to local clubs, to facilitating, community and connection is at the heart of football. Whatever ability, club, or league, footy becomes a space for people to belong.