Talented youngster Will Brenssell will make his mark as he takes the first kick of the day in the club's inaugural Make Our Mark charity match with the Purple Hands Foundation.
Brenssell plays for the inaugural Swan Districts All Abilities Football Team and will play a key role in kicking off proceedings for the day as the Club recognise the incredible work of the Foundation in the WA community while aiming to raise funds for the programs that are having a genuine impact on people’s lives.
Fans will be asked to contribute $10 to help the Purple Hands Foundation's support of the WA Community.
Learn more about the donation drive here.
The Purple Hands foundation will be bringing a range of activations to the game throughout the day, with a focus on All-Abilities football along with foundation partner WA All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA).
WAAAFA was formed in 2008/09 when several Perth Football League clubs identified a need for players with disability who love the game of footy.
WAAAFA have since provided opportunities for people with a disability to participate in Australian football like every other Australian through programs such as Integrated Football, Kickability and Starkick.
The activations on game day include a pre-game kick to kick that will feature the Players from the WA integrated football league and Kickability programs, and the half time Auskick will be played by children from the Starkick program.
First kicker Brenssell took part in the Kickability football session delivered by WA All Abilities Football Association and Hayden Marchetti the WAAAFA Executive Officer before joining the Swan Districts All Abilities Football Team earlier this year.
"It was good to learn new skills through the Kickability program and have Hayden and his team come to La Salle and train us,” Brenssell said.
Brenssell made his Integrated football debut on ANZAC day, and his efforts were rewarded by receiving the player of the match in the ANZAC Day game.
It was the first time Will had played a game of football, despite having had a keen interest in AFL since an early age and having been kicking a footy around since he could walk.
He has now played five games and is loving his time at Swan Districts.
The up-and-coming star was excited to show his skills on the big stage.
He is looking forward to the game, and Freo are proud to host him and his Integrated Football teammates
“It’s exciting,” Will said.
The half-time Auskick played by children from Starkick will feature kids ages five and up participating in the program which is based on AusKick for those who need extra support or time to achieve their goals, and are guided through sessions.
Be sure to listen in at half-time as game day MC Pete Curelli will interview a child from the program on his experience on the day.
These programs are having such a high impact on the community, with research conducted by WAAAFA shows that participants with an intellectual or physical disability can improve their independence, wellbeing, self-esteem, and life skills by being valued members of a local community club.
The Purple Hands Foundation with your support from this weekend is excited to continue to help grow these programs with WAAAFA promoting inclusion, equality and opportunity.
