Victorian Wheelchair Football League Returns for 2021

The Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) will launch their 2021 Season this weekend on Sunday May 2nd at Boroondara Sports Complex.

In partnership with the Robert Rose Foundation (RRF) and Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR), the league provides an opportunity for people with a physical disability to play football in a state-wide competition.

The 10-round competition will run between May and September, with the Grand Final to be played in September.

AFL clubs Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Richmond and St Kilda will again take part in the competition.

In 2020, the league adapted to a three-week lightening carnival due the impact of COVID-19, with the St Kilda Football Club claiming their inaugural premiership in December.

For the first time the VWFL Season will include a number of Marquee Matches, Home Games for Clubs and a Mid-Season Round Robin at the iconic Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

There have been an additional fifteen players drafted ahead of Round One with all clubs continuing to grow and provide opportunities for people with a disability to participate in the VWFL.

Steve Odgers, Diversity Coordinator of AFL Victoria praised the uptake of the Come and Try Days held earlier in the year, showing the rise and development of the league.

“It has been great to see players come and take that step to participate. We really look forward to seeing how we can expand and provide more opportunities in 2021.

"It is so exciting to be staring ahead of a full season. We know just how much this means to our participants and how ready they are for that first siren to sound.

"We could not do this without the support of the Disability Sport & Recreation and the Robert Rose Foundation. It is great to have partners that are so aligned and know just how important connection and belonging is to the Victorian community” Odgers said.

The Robert Rose Foundation’s continued support of the Victorian Wheelchair Football League has allowed the competition to grow and develop over the past three years.

 The RRF raises money to help survivors of spinal cord injuries enjoy a better life. One of their key focuses is centred on encouraging participation and social engagement which unites the vision between the League and Foundation.

Natalie Rose, Director of the RRF shared her excitement on behalf of the Rose Family and Board on the return of a full Season in 2021.

“The past 12 months have been challenging for all of us dealing with COVID19, but it has had a more detrimental impact on the health, mentally and physically, for all participants in the Wheelchair football competition.

"We welcome on board again the past players and new players who are looking to enjoy and discover a great new season of 2021 Wheelchair footy.

"It is a wonderful spectator sport, and we encourage anyone to come along and watch the thrill of AFL footy on wheels and support the RRF Victorian Wheelchair Football League.

"We take this opportunity to thank the AFLVIC for their continued support of the Spinal Cord Injured Community and their efforts to continually engage with all participants and support services for this wonderful inclusive sport.” Rose said.

Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR), RRF and AFL Victoria continue to work on a range of initiatives to further develop and expand the sport of AFL Wheelchair in Victoria, including plans to ensure more participants are given the opportunity to play.

Disability Sport & Recreation is an organisation committed to providing and promoting positive outcomes for people with disability, through meaningful engagement in sport and active recreation.

To download 2021 fixture - click here. 

For all the latest news, ladders, results, and fixtures for the Robert Rose Victorian Football Wheelchair League please click here.