St Kilda has continued its commitment to growing inclusiveness in football, hosting its second AllPlay Footy Pre-Learn Day at RSEA Park on the weekend. 

AllPlay Footy, a partnership between Deakin University and the AFL with the support of the NDIS and Moose Toys, was established to create opportunities for all children to play sport and reduce the barriers to inclusion in sport and play for children with developmental challenges.

Thirty children and their families were put through their paces by coaches from local Bayside Auskick centres including Parkdale, Beaumaris and Ormond.

A few small changes to the NAB Auskick program such as shortening the activities, increasing repetitions and allowing breaks has meant that the one in five children with a developmental disability can now get involved.

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said Allplay would make it easier for children with disabilities to get involved with their local Auskick programs.

"Our role is to help local sporting clubs and football clubs open their doors and invite everybody in," Finnis said.

The Saints have also made significant strides with SaintsPlay, a program supported by VicHealth.

SaintsPlay aims to empower Bayside clubs and schools to host inclusive football programs, as well as establishing their own NAB AFL Auskick pre-learn days across the region.

Current SaintsPlay NAB AFL Auskick Centres:

Parkdale Auskick
Beaumaris Auskick
Ormond Auskick

To find your local NAB AFL Auskick you can click here, while information on AllPlay Footy is available here.