The ‘Festival of Footy’ provided people of all ages with an opportunity to engage with everyone’s favourite mascots Rick and Rosie, as well as AFLW stars Bella Lewis, Sarah Lakay, Amy Franklin and Evie Gooch in a fun and safe environment.
The Mineral Resources Park oval was scattered with various inclusive football activities, allowing kids to have a kick for goal, handball through the Starkick targets or beat their parents in a game of tug-of-war.
On the other side of the oval, older attendees ran a training session to hone their skills and prepare for the upcoming season as part of the Perth Football League’s Integrated competition.
This is the second Festival of Footy carnival held at Mineral Resources Park, adding to a long list of successful all-abilities events held at Eagles HQ.
WAFC Inclusion Specialist Rob Geersen highlighted the impact these types of inclusive football activations have on getting more people of any age or ability involved in footy.
“Witnessing the Eagles AFLW players giving so openly for the children was so heartwarming. Such was their impact, I know a number of the kids left feeling on top of the world, and like they had made a new friend,” he said.
“From an event perspective a clear highlight was the families and kids enjoying themselves so much, they are now reaching out wanting to join a local Starkick club. To know they felt so included and supported at this event is a testament to everyone involved.
“From the parent feedback, the smiles on the kids faces, the photos with Rick and Rosie or the autographs and high 5’s with the players, the day could not have gone any better.”
The Festival of Footy capped off the third inclusive football event in the month of March alone, with two regional carnivals being hosted in the South West and Great Southern for the very first time.
With the collaboration between the West Coast Eagles, WA All Abilities Football Association, WAFC and Starkick now going beyond the metro region, the impact of these diverse and inclusive football opportunities continues to grow year-on-year.
“Working together to deliver a common goal of providing inclusive programs now not only in metro but also regional WA has resulted in some amazing outcomes” Geersen said.
“It’s a critical piece of the puzzle as we strive to ensure every child, no matter their circumstances, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to play and be a part of the greatest game in the world.
“The overall aim of these carnivals is not to just deliver one-off events, rather we see them as stepping stones for children and families to gain confidence that they too can play footy and join a local Starkick centre to play every weekend.
“This year will see a record 27 community clubs running the Starkick program across WA. From Broome all the way to Albany there’s never been a better time to join and through these carnivals and events we are living the mantra; If you want to play, we’ll find a way!”
To get involved with these inclusive football programs head to: www.waaafa.org or www.starkick.com.au.
