AFL Partnership - Maple Community Services

A New Era for AFL:
Play Your Way

Welcome to Maple’s groundbreaking partnership with the AFL, dedicated to transforming Australia’s favourite sport into its most inclusive. Over the next three years, we’re amplifying accessibility, fostering community engagement, advancing inclusivity education, supporting inclusive match formats and building awareness about the diverse and inclusive forms of the game you can play. Join us in driving this change.

AFL ABLE WITH MAPLE

Get Involved

Game Day Buddy Program

Maple Community Services’ Game Day Buddy Program ensures everyone can enjoy AFL matches with a passionate companion by their side. We pair participants with Maple Support Workers or community members who share their love for the game, providing personalized support for a seamless and enjoyable experience. ​

National Clubs Initiative

Maple is equipping clubs across Australia with the necessary training, resources, and expert guidance to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage and succeed in the sport. This initiative includes organising open days at clubs for people with disabilities, providing specialised equipment, and offering tailored education to club staff and members. ​

Support Coordinator Experiences

Maple is excited to show our support and appreciation to all those who dedicate their careers to supporting people with disabilities. Join us at one of our Support Coordinator Networking Events to learn how you can help participants get involved in AFL, experience firsthand the positive impact sport has on the health and well-being of NDIS participants, and enjoy a day at the footy—on us.​

Marvel Stadium Game Day

Maple Community Services, in partnership with the AFL, is conducting an accessibility audit of Marvel Stadium to make it more inclusive for people with disabilities across Australia. This audit will assess the stadium’s physical, digital, and ticketing aspects, identifying barriers and recommending improvements. We’re also engaging the community to ensure our recommendations meet the needs of those who use the venue.​

Access NDIS Funding to Play AFL

Through our partnership with the AFL, we assist individuals in navigating the NDIS to support their involvement in Australian Rules Football. Whether you need specialised equipment, support services, or help with travel, the NDIS can fund your sporting goals. If you need assistance with your NDIS plan or want to optimise it for your AFL journey, we’re here to help. Learn more and start your journey today.

Interactive Displays

Maple is excited to host a series of interactive inclusion activities at select AFL games throughout the 2024 season, each centered around different inclusive forms of AFL. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Maple AFL Activation—click below to find out more. 

Inclusive AFL

Maple recognises the significant role of AFL, Australia’s most prominent and widely participated sport, in enhancing people’s health and well-being and fostering connections among families, friends, and the broader community. Through our collaboration with the AFL and our participants, we’re dedicated to extending these remarkable benefits to millions of individuals across Australia. 

AFL Wheelchair
Introducing AFL Wheelchair, where inclusive fun meets competitive football for players of all abilities. Picture two teams of five wheelchair-bound players battling it out on an indoor court, with the excitement of goals at each end. And here's the best part: Maple's rolling in with over 75 brand-new wheelchairs to ensure everyone can join the game.
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AFL Blind
Get ready to tackle AFL Blind, where vision impairment meets the thrill of the game! Imagine playing indoors, using your ears to track down a specially designed ball that beeps as it rolls. And when it’s time to aim for the goal, goal umpires shake their rattles to guide you. Maple’s teaming up with the AFL to make sure more Aussies can experience the fun. Keen to join in on the action?"
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Access NDIS funding to play the game you love.

Find out if you are eligible for NDIS Supports and get support to register. 

OUR IMPACT BY 2026

75 WHEELCHAIRS

Supplied to enhance accessibility and participation in AFL for individuals in mobility limitations

1000 GAME DAY BUDDY ATTENDEE'S

Opening up opportunities for AFL fanatics to attend games with designated Game Day Buddies.

UMPIRE EDUCATION

Trained and accredited the entire Umpire Workforce across Australia in inclusive forms of AFL.

AFL CLUBS

Trained, educated, and provided opportunities for inclusive forms across Australia

MARVEL STADIUM TRANSFORMATION

Marvel Stadium to be transformed and formally recognised as one of Australia's Most Inclusive Venues.

1 MILLION PEOPLE AWARENESS

Enable all attendees to AFL Games at Marvel Stadium the opportunity to experience inclusive forms of the AFL.

FROM GAME DAY TO EVERYDAY

Maple Community Services is dedicated to let everyone reach their full potential, whether it’s on the field or not. As a trusted NDIS provider, we ensure you or your loved rones eceive the care and resources needed to thrive. To find out if you’re eligible for the NDIS or to learn more about how it can benefit you, take our simple eligibility quiz today.

Want to get involved?

Leave your name and email and we’ll be in touch.