WA Wheelchair Football League and WA Blind AFL season starts this weekend

The WA Wheelchair Football League (WAWFL) and WA Blind AFL seasons burst into action this weekend.

Now in their third season, participation across the WAWFL and WA Blind AFL competitions continue to grow as the sports aim to promote awareness.

This year will see five teams compete in WAWFL which includes Subiaco, East Perth, Swan Districts, Perth and the newly formed West Coast Eagles, with all matches to be played at HBF Stadium commencing on Sunday 8 October.

Hayden Marchetto, Executive Officer at WA All Abilities Football Association said the launch of the 2023 season is not only beneficial for the players.

“These inclusive programs provide the opportunity for players and their families to come together, have a great day and for families to show their support on the sidelines,” Marchetto said.

“It’s great to see the WA Wheelchair Football League continue to grow and reach a wider audience and provide people living with a disability the opportunity to get involved in organised sport.”

Played on a basketball court with goalposts at either end, WA Wheelchair Football involves teams of five facing off against each other with two defenders, two forwards, and one midfielder.

A handball in Wheelchair Football is equivalent to a ‘kick’ and an underarm throw equates to a ‘handball’ as per regular Australian Football rules.

WA Blind AFL will see two competing teams, West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, play each other over five rounds commencing Saturday 7 October.

Games will be played at Mineral Resources Park and State Netball Centre with the grand final coinciding with International Day of People with Disability on Friday 1 December.

“Anyone who is blind or low vision can take part in WA Blind AFL, we just want to give everyone who wants to play, the opportunity to have a kick and play our great game.”

This year will see a strong focus on player development, programming and player pathways including the introduction of Auskick Wheelchair and Auskick Blind which will run prior to the League games.

For more information on Auskick Wheelchair and Auskick Blind, click here.