Kardinia Park Lights Up for the third edition of All-Abilities FNL Matches
Kardinia Park will once again play host to one of the most anticipated events on the AFL Barwon calendar, with the All-Abilities Football double-header returning to GMHBA Stadium on Friday 13th of June to launch the 2025 AFL Barwon Inclusion Round.
Now in its third year, the event provides a unique and memorable opportunity for participants in the All-Abilities Football Netball League to compete on the region’s premier sporting stage, supported proudly by the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust as the competition naming rights partner.
This year’s double-header will see Newcomb Power take on Geelong West Giants at 5:30PM, followed by Bell Park Dragons facing St Joseph’s at 7:00PM, with gates opening at 4:30PM and entry completely free, ensuring family, friends and the broader community, can join in the celebration at GMHBA Stadium.
AFL Barwon Region General Manager Lisa Patterson said the matches hold deep meaning and lasting impact for the community.
“The All-Abilities Football Netball League is one of the most inspiring competitions in our region. It breaks down barriers and proves that football and netball are for everyone,” Patterson said.
“Watching our All-Abilities participants run out at GMHBA Stadium is incredibly powerful. Inclusion can’t just be a theme for a weekend, it must be something we build into how we play, how we support, and how we run our clubs.”
She emphasised the significance of hosting the event at a venue like Kardinia Park, and the role of the Stadium Trust in enabling this celebration of inclusive sport.
“These showcase matches reflect what’s possible when we prioritise access, representation and respect across all our competitions. The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust continues to play a key role in bringing this moment to life, opening the gates to provide a world-class sporting experience and helping make the event truly unforgettable for players, families, and the wider Barwon community.”
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin reinforced the Trust’s commitment to building inclusive experiences for all.
“Since 2019, we’ve proudly advanced our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plans. From becoming Australia’s first Sensory Inclusive Stadium through our partnership with KultureCity, to building multiple Changing Places facilities and hosting a truly inclusive, free Festival of Sport for our community. We’re committed to fostering an environment at Kardinia Park where everyone feels safe, welcome, and able to experience moments of connection and joy,” Griffin said.
The All Abilities matches officially launch AFL Barwon’s Inclusion Round supported by Leisure Networks, a weekend dedicated to recognising and celebrating diversity and inclusion across all levels of local football and netball. Clubs throughout the region will mark the occasion with players across the broader AFL Barwon region wearing yellow arm bands that share the message “Together for Inclusion”.
AFL Barwon encourages all members of the community to attend the event and support the players who continue to inspire our region with their passion, determination, and love for the game.
To further expand opportunities for young people of all-abilities, AFL Barwon will launch a new six-week All Abilities Underage Competition commencing at the start of Term 3.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.aflbarwon.com.au/inclusion.
