Disability Sports Australia Named Community Engagement Partner for 2024 Toyota AFL Open
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is thrilled announce itself as the Community Engagement Partner for the inaugural 2024 Toyota AFL Open. This event is set to take place at the South Pine Sports Complex in Queensland from November 21-26, 2024.
Building on a longstanding partnership with the AFL, this collaboration marks the culmination of a three-year transition in relation to the delivery of the Wheelchair AFL National Championships.
The national tournament for Wheelchair AFL will now be delivered with the other disability inclusive formats by the AFL. Over 200 athletes will take part, competing for national titles in both the Wheelchair and Inclusion divisions.
Ayden Shaw, CEO of Disability Sports Australia, expressed his excitement for this milestone moment: “Disability Sports Australia is incredibly proud to support the 2024 Toyota AFL Open as the Community Engagement Partner. This event highlights the immense talent and dedication of athletes with disabilities. The involvement of us in this event is a natural progression given our strategic focus on providing increased participation pathways for people with disability.”
“I’m thrilled to announce the 2024 Toyota AFL Open as a new major event on our calendar and AFL Open as our new brand for disability inclusion,” Dillon said.
“It’s incredibly important that Australian football is accessible and open to everyone, and that we’re establishing clear pathways for players with disability to develop and compete – from grassroots to elite.
“By combining the two championships our aim is to elevate the overall event experience for competitors, families and spectators, making it a flagship moment for our game and showcasing these footballers on the national stage.
“I’d like to thank Toyota for its continued support of our disability inclusion events and players. The commitment Toyota has shown across a number of years is a reflection of their passion for our game and making it accessible for all.
“I’d also like to thank Moreton Bay Council, the South Pine Sports Complex, Mapel Community Servies and the AFL Queensland team for their support and hosting the event, we can’t wait to get up there and watch the inaugural 2024 Toyota AFL Open in November.”
A Legacy of Inclusion and Growth
[Image ID - a photo from the AFL Open announcement media shoot. Featured are three people playing Wheelchair AFL. Two players in the foreground are competing for a ruck contest. In the background is another player waiting to pounce on where the ball will drop.]
DSA has been a cornerstone in developing and promoting Wheelchair AFL. DSA previously led the national tournament for the wheelchair competition in partnership with the Australian Defence Force.
The 2024 Toyota AFL Open signifies a new chapter in this journey, where the AFL takes the helm in delivering the tournament. DSA will continue to play a crucial role in community engagement and advocacy. This transition is a shared commitment to elevate and expand disability inclusion in Australian football.
Around Australia there are over 14,000 disability inclusion participants across:
NAB AFL Auskick
NAB AFL Superkick
AFL Nines,
Junior, youth and senior divisions
This national number is up nearly 20 per cent from 2022. There is particular strong growth in juniors – rising by 34 per cent in the last two years.
Elevating the Game for All
[Image ID - a photo from the AFL Open announcement media shoot. Featured are two people playing Wheelchair AFL. On the right is a man in a suit handballing a football over a defending VIC Country player attempting to block the pass.]
The Toyota AFL Open merges the previously separate Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival and the Toyota Wheelchair AFL National Championships into one unified event. This integration aims to enhance the competition and create a flagship moment for disability footy in Australia.
There will be over 90 matches scheduled across five days. The event will utilise indoor courts for Wheelchair AFL, and the grassed ovals for the Inclusion division. This new format is designed to provide an exceptional experience for athletes, families, and spectators alike, reinforcing the message that AFL is open to everyone.
Looking Ahead
As the Community Engagement Partner, Disability Sports Australia is dedicated to grassroots community involvement and ensuring that the voices of disabilities are heard and celebrated. The collaboration with the AFL highlights the ongoing efforts to create inclusive sporting opportunities from grassroots to elite levels.
For more information on the 2024 Toyota AFL Open, including team announcements and event schedules, visit play.afl and follow AFL state and territory social media accounts for updates.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Name: Max Reilly
Title: Participation and Communications Coordinator
Email: max@sports.org.au
