AFL Stars Join Maple Community Services and Workplay for Inclusive Footy Finals Week - Maple Services
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AFL Stars Join Maple Community Services and Workplay for Inclusive Footy Finals Week

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AFL Stars Join Maple Community Services and Workplay for Inclusive Footy Finals Week
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AFL Stars Join Maple Community Services and Workplay for Inclusive Footy Finals Week

Maple Community Services, in partnership with Workplay, proudly collaborated with the AFL during 2024 Toyota Grand Final week, which saw more than 350,000 people attend the Footy Festival at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This initiative brought together AFLW stars through Workplay, a platform designed to connect athletes with meaningful work experience opportunities that allow them to contribute to their communities off the field. 

Players like Zimmorlei Farquharson (Brisbane Lions), Georgia Clark (Collingwood), Bailey Hunt (Western Bulldogs), Eva Cafolla (Williamstown VFLW), and Grainne McLaughlin (North Melbourne VFLW) took part in activities aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility in AFL. Through this collaboration, athletes were able to engage directly with fans while reinforcing the message that AFL is a sport for everyone, regardless of their abilities. 

Workplay Lead, Brit Woods, spoke about the importance of the program: 

“The AFL is committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility across all levels of the game. Our work with Maple Community Services and the involvement of our players through Workplay is an exciting part of this initiative. Together, we are creating pathways for AFLW players to give back to their communities while developing personally and professionally. The positive energy and impact we’ve seen through this partnership are inspiring, and we’re looking forward to continuing this important work together.” 

This partnership spans various aspects of the AFL, including accessibility audits and local grassroots programs. Through these efforts, Maple Community Services and Workplay are ensuring that both fans and players of all abilities can enjoy and engage with the sport. The ongoing initiatives are helping shape a more inclusive future for AFL, benefiting the broader community and providing valuable opportunities for AFL stars to make an impact off the field. 

Irshad Mulla, CEO of Maple Community Services, also emphasized the significance of the collaboration: 

“This program is not just about making AFL more inclusive for fans and players with disabilities; it’s about creating meaningful opportunities for AFL stars to contribute in impactful ways off the field. This blend of community service and personal growth is what makes the Workplay program so valuable for both athletes and the community.” 

The ongoing work between the AFL, Workplay, and Maple Community Services aims to foster a more inclusive environment at all levels of the sport. From enhancing stadium accessibility to developing programs that promote inclusivity within local clubs, the partnership is contributing to a more accessible and engaging AFL experience for everyone involved.