06 Sep Inclusive Sport SA and SANFL announce new partnership

SANFL and Inclusive Sport SA are pleased to announce a new partnership to expand football programs for people living with disabilities. As part of the partnership agreement, Inclusive Sport SA employee Nathan Pepper has joined SANFL’s Game Development team on a one-year secondment as Community Programs Coordinator – People with Disabilities. SANFL Game Development Manager Ben Hopkins said this was the first full-time role dedicated to football for people living with disability in South Australia. He said the new arrangement would allow SANFL to engage with more people living with disabilities and grow its inclusive player participant pathway over the next 12 months. “Previously we have offered opportunities to people with disabilities through All Abilities Auskick (AAA) centres, an Inclusive State team and an umpiring partnership with Down Syndrome SA,” Ben said. “However, with Nathan on board, we hope to be able to expand our reach and develop activities and programs to ensure that any South Australian living with a disability can engage with our great game of Australian football in a meaningful way.” Inclusive Sport SA CEO John Cranwell welcomed the partnership, saying it created an opportunity to develop new and innovative approaches to inclusive football programs. “Inclusive Sport SA is very pleased to see the SANFL take this next step in the development of a more inclusive and vibrant football community here in SA for people living with disability,” he said. Nathan said his secondment to SANFL would allow him to focus solely on developing football programs and competitions for people living with disability in the State. “With support from the Adelaide Football League, my work with SANFL will include focus on the C7 competition and developing a foundation for it to strengthen and grow in future years,” he said. “I look forward to working with all the current clubs, coaches and players to continue to give more players to the opportunity to play our great game that may not otherwise have had the chance.” For more information about SANFL disability programs and pathways visit: http://sanfl.com.au/disability/ Article and photo source: SANFL