Ellenbrook JFC Starkick coordinator, coach named AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the YearMonday, August 18, 2025 - 10:42 AM

WA Football congratulates Dan Hilton from Ellenbrook Junior Football Club after he won the prestigious AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year award as a fitting recognition for his inspirational volunteer work in the football community. 

Hilton’s massive honour, which includes a trip to Melbourne for the 2025 AFL Grand Final, was announced at the annual Starkick Gala Day at Cockburn ARC on Sunday. 

As Starkick Coordinator and Coach, Vice President and Youth Integrated Coordinator across his two decades of volunteer service in footy, Hilton’s leadership in driving disability inclusion has left a lasting mark at both his club as well as across the wider community. 

In 2022, he launched Ellenbrook’s first All-Abilities program, which has grown from three players in its first year to 34 players in 2025, making it the second-largest junior All-Abilities centre in WA.  

Last year Hilton launched an All-Abilities youth team, which has doubled in numbers since inception. 

These efforts reflect Dan’s leadership in creating pathways for children with disabilities to be active, visible, and celebrated members of the football community. 

Dan also mentors others, empowering young people to take on leadership roles within the all-abilities teams. 

His efforts are driven by his genuine care for every child and family involved, including his own, with his family fostering a young boy with Autism and ADHD who now plays under his guidance. 

“I don’t do it for the accolades but to be recognised at a national level is nice,” Hilton said. 

“It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to put smiles on the kids’ faces. That’s what I do it for.” 

WA All Abilities Football Association’s Inclusion Specialist Rob Geersen said Hilton was a worthy winner of the award, describing him as an inspiration in the All-Abilities community. 

“It’s what Dan does behind the scenes that make him so special in the community,” Geersen said. 

“He doesn’t seek recognition, he shies away from it, but the impact he has is immeasurable on the kids and families he touches. 

“Dan isn’t just delivering disability and inclusion programs; he is building capacity in others. Be it as a mentor, a support or with a simple welcoming smile, he is changing and enriching people’s lives across the community. 

“Dan through his tireless actions is showing what is possible when we include everyone. The impact we can each have when we do it with heart.

“Through his actions he is truly making football the game for all West Australians.” 

WA Football’s Club Development & Volunteer Specialist Jenne Emberson praised Hilton on his dedication and leadership in the All-Abilities space. 

“We are thrilled to have Dan recognised nationally for his contributions to ensuring football is accessible to all regardless of ability,” Emberson said. 

“His unwavering dedication to creating pathways for people of all abilities really sets him apart as a leader in this space.”