WA Wheelchair Football League

OPEN TO ALL GENDERS AND ABILITIES
WHEELCHAIRS PROVIDED
PLAYED INDOORS

WA Wheelchair Football League set to begin

Australian Football in Western Australia is set to become even more accessible with the creation of the WA Wheelchair Football League.

This inaugural competition will initially include teams representing three WAFL clubs – Swan Districts, East Perth, and Subiaco. We welcomed Perth Football Club to the competition for season 2 who were the 2022 premiers. In season 2023 we are proud to announce the West Coast Eagles are entering the competition.

Played on a basketball court with goalposts at either end, WA Wheelchair Football involves teams of five facing off against each other with two defenders, two forwards, and one midfielder.

A handball in Wheelchair Football is equivalent to a ‘kick’ and an underarm throw equates to a ‘handball’ as per regular Australian Football rules.

Teams can be mixed gender, including a blend of players with, and without, a disability, ensuring the sport is attractive for everyone to participate. The competition is an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to play in a unified competition.

The WA Wheelchair Football League is presented by the WA All Abilities Football Association and Manager, Hayden Marchetto says ”It’s a blast, fun, tactical, and skillful game and we encourage everyone to give it a go with or without a disability.”

The WA Wheelchair Football League is a great fit for Australian Football in WA, and will not only focus on delivering the best opportunity to play footy for people living with or without a disability but also works in the community to improve disability, understanding, and inclusion at community and WAFL Clubs.

The WA Wheelchair Football League will provide people living with a disability an opportunity to get involved in organised sport, which is great for their fitness and well-being, as well as providing a community and social environment.

WA Wheelchair Football is also being supported by the WA Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries.

Do you want to join a team?

FAQs

How is a game of Wheelchair Footy played?

The game is played between two teams of five/four/three, plus interchange players, on a rectangular indoor court divided into thirds with portable goalposts at either end of the field. Scoring is identical to traditional AFL: six points for a goal, one point for a behind.

What are some rules of Wheelchair footy?

There is no kicking of the ball. A handball is equivalent to a kick (for example if marked, play stops) and an underarm throw is equivalent to a handball (for example the ball is ‘in play’ and the player who receives an underarm throw can be ‘tackled’). Many strategies in the traditional game apply to the wheelchair version.

Do you need a specific wheelchair to play Wheelchair footy & can anyone play?

Yes, you will require a Sports Wheelchair to play. If you do not have one, we have a range of Sports Wheelchairs ideal for both first-timers or competitive players. Wheelchair footy is for males and females both with and without physical disabilities, so bring your friends.