Mandurah Mustangs held an AFL training day for people with an intellectual or physical disability on Sunday, in the hopes of starting a Integrated Football League team.
There were about 200 registered participants in the league, according to the Western Australian Amatuer Football League.
Mandurah Mustangs juniors president Jason Rickett said the club was pleased the team was coming to fruition.
“The only other team in our region is Warnbro,” he said.
“They can travel as far north as Joondalup.
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“We want to get our own team going to give people in the Peel region who have an intellectual or physical disability, access to this.”
Midway Community Care team leader Jamie Hunter, who manages a six-bed shared accommodation service, said the activity would “fill a gap”.
“We need another avenue for the guys to make friends and get out into the community, and meet people from different areas,” he said.
“These guys have every right to have the same life as we do and be part of the community.”
Mr Hunter said his sons played for the Mandurah Mustangs, who he calls “family”.
“I thought why not combine the two...what a perfect fit,” he said.
There will be another Come and Try Day in six weeks for over 16s.
Mr Rickett said a women’s team was on the cards for the future, as well as an Aus Kick team.
The WAAFL website states the league had progressed in WA.
“Integrated football is in a very good space receiving tremendous community support and is recognised for the positive impact it has on the participants,” according to the website.
“The WAAFL recognises the dedication, commitment and support by all volunteers at WAAFL club level and encourages more clubs to have a closer look at the program and to get along and enjoy a game, you will be pleased you did.”
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
