All Abilities Welcomed at Phillip Island FNC

Phillip Island Football and Netball Club are leading the way when it comes to accessibility and inclusion in football, having welcomed 32 footballers with a disability to the club for an all-abilities day.

Part of an initiative developed by the club to increase sporting participation by people with a disability, players and their families were invited to participate in an all-abilities football and netball clinic and had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Phillip Island players and club members before watching the club play in a special 'Disability Round' match against Dalyston FNC.

The reserves match featured Phillip Island's Jesse Gislingham and Dalyston's Tylah Maloney both of whom play with a disability. Both players kicked goals and were important players in their respective sides.

Jesse Gislingham (third from left) and Tylah Mahoney (third from right) pose for a photo before the reserves match between Phillip Island and Dalyston

Jesse said it was a special day, and he was proud to be part of an inclusive club.

"The club is family to me. I feel proud of my colours and I love all people in the club."

"[It was] A very emotional moment for me and special for everyone at the club. I loved the support from my Bulldog family [and] I was so proud to kick two goals and very happy when all the lads cheer around me."

Phillip Island Head Coach Beau Vernon is a quadriplegic—and coaches from a wheelchair—having sustained a serious neck injury whilst playing football, and said he knows how valuable it is for football clubs to be inclusive and understands some of the difficulties that people living with a disability can encounter. 

"Initially, in the early stages of dealing with my injury and recovery, I had some tough moments where I thought I was less of a person or I thought to myself, what's the point?"

"Getting involved in football again was a turning point for me, and I realised that I could still lead a fulfilling life and active life despite my disability."

Phillip Island FNC Head Coach Beau Vernon

Phillip Island has several players and members who have a disability, but Vernon said the day was just as important for the rest of the club to set an example within the football community.

"This is a great opportunity for our club to make those within our community who have a disability feel welcome and included and feel confident that they can be part of a sporting club."

"We want to make our club—and football in general—accessible to everyone, and we want Phillip Island FNC and its players to lead the way."

To learn more about AFL Victoria inclusion initiatives, head to AFL Victoria | Inclusion