After successfully completing an NAB AFL Auskick Deaf program in Brisbane and starting one in Melbourne, last Sunday Deaf Sports Australia launched its next NAB AFL Auskick Deaf program in Perth with 24 deaf and hard of hearing kids aged from 5 – 12 participating. The program is funded by an Australian Sport Commission (ASC) Participation grant in partnership with the AFL.
The project aims are to develop and implement strategies, to change and improve AFL participation at all levels including playing footy, being a coach or official or a fan. Shortly, Deaf Sports Australia will trial an AFL Deaf 9’s competition to assess if this could be a pathway to the AFL Inclusion program in the future.
The NAB AFL Auskick Deaf program receives great support from their local partners in each State and especially from the staff (Shiv Wheeler, Dylan Beasley, Kielly Ryan and Adam Barnes), as well as other volunteers.
There is a long term goal to ensure that these programs are adopted and embedded into the AFL program across Australia. The project will be completed by the end of this year with a final report and recommendations presented to the ASC.
More information about the program:
Shiv Wheeler
AFL.project@deafsports.org.au
