When Dylan Blackley from Support & Connect reached out to the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) a couple of years ago, he had a simple but powerful vision: make football accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. What started as a conversation has grown into a partnership that’s changing lives and opening doors for young people with disabilities across South Australia.
For many families navigating the NDIS and disability support services, finding genuine community connection can feel impossible. Sports clubs often say “everyone’s welcome,” but the reality doesn’t always match the promise. That’s exactly what Dylan and his team at Support & Connect are working to change, one footy clinic, one volunteer opportunity, and one young person at a time.
Why This Partnership Matters
Football has always been more than just a game. It’s about belonging, learning teamwork, building confidence, and creating friendships that last a lifetime. But for too long, young people with disabilities have been left on the sidelines, not because they didn’t want to participate, but because the right support simply wasn’t there.
“It’s about being able to give everyone an equal and fair opportunity, no matter what your limitations are,” Dylan explains. “There’s no blueprint in place at the moment. There’s no real program. We just want to make it as easy as possible and make it actually work.”
The partnership aligns closely with the SANFL’s broader commitment to inclusion, reflected through its SANFL disability and inclusion programs, which aim to make community football more accessible for people of all abilities.
For Dylan, this cause is deeply personal. “Footy was a massive part of my life,” he shares. “It built so many connections and friendships and taught me really good morals and ethics. I looked up to footy role models who taught me a lot of good things. I want to provide families and young people, and even older people wanting to volunteer, with that same community. It will set them up really well with friendships, knowledge, and connections.”
How the Partnership Started
The idea didn’t come from a boardroom or a government initiative. It came from one of Dylan’s Senior Support Mentors, Brodie, who sparked a conversation that quickly turned into action. Dylan reached out to Kayla, who was working as a development coordinator with the SANFL’s Riverland region at the time.
“She was quite passionate in that area as well,” Dylan recalls. “I reached out to her, and yeah, the rest is history. We decided to start working together.”
What makes this partnership special is that it’s driven by people who genuinely care, not by tick-box compliance or one-off events. Dylan brought his expertise in disability support and his deep understanding of what families need. The SANFL brought their networks, facilities, and commitment to making community sport truly inclusive.
“For this to be sustainable, we need more than just one person backing this,” Dylan says. “It comes from the SANFL, it comes from me, but then it needs to be taken on by footy clubs, parents, and the wider community. It’s going to be a team effort.”
Bringing Inclusion to Life: What’s Happening Now
So what does this partnership actually look like on the ground? It’s not just talk, it’s real programs, events, and opportunities that are already making a difference.
Inclusive Football Clinics
Last year, Support & Connect and the SANFL ran an inclusive football clinic designed to show footy clubs across the region how inclusion can work in practice. The goal wasn’t just to run a great event, it was to inspire clubs to pick up the idea and run with it themselves.
“We invited all the Riverland Football league clubs and whoever else wanted to come along to have a watch,” Dylan explains. “Hopefully our goal was for one of the clubs to pick it up and run with it, for it to be sustainable.”
The day was a huge success. Kids and adults with disabilities, some in wheelchairs, some with different support needs got to experience what it’s like to be part of a team, to pass the ball, to score a goal, to feel like they belong.
“Watching their smiles and their faces that day when they were running around, some were getting wheeled around, the way they worked as a team, it was just amazing to see how happy they were,” Dylan says. “I had a 38-year-old there, and seeing him just grabbing a ball and handballing it to a kid, the smile on their faces was just priceless.”
One mum came up afterwards asking when the next clinic would be. Dylan still gets messages from families asking the same question. That’s the kind of impact that drives him to keep going.
Speaking Up at the Gather Round
Dylan was also invited to speak at the SANFL’s Gather Round event, a major football celebration in South Australia. He was part of a small panel focused on inclusion in community sport, where he shared practical insights on making football more accessible for people with disability. Other AFL figures at the event, including Rory Sloane, Chris Scott, and Jimmy Bartel, spoke separately about coaching, leadership, and their experiences in the game.
“It was some really cool people there doing talks,” Dylan says. “It was pretty cool to be part of.”
But more importantly, it was a chance to reach club leaders, volunteers, and decision-makers with a clear message: inclusion isn’t complicated, but it does take thought, commitment, and the right support.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Programs
Right now, Dylan and the SANFL are in talks to create ongoing programs that will run throughout the year, not just one-off events. The vision includes regular playing opportunities and volunteer roles where young people and adults with disabilities can contribute to their local footy club.
“Maybe on a Saturday, even if it’s just at half-time of the A grade, we can run some kids out to play, even if it’s only 20 minutes of footy,” Dylan suggests. “At least they’re in front of a crowd. There’s always people there to help. It gives them that purpose.”
He’s also passionate about creating volunteer opportunities. “On a volunteer level, it’s about having someone families can liaise with, some kind of inclusive coordinator,” he explains. “I’m happy to put my hand up to do that. Having a point of contact makes the process a lot easier. I can talk to the clubs and find a role that fits the person looking to get involved.”
Real Stories, Real Impact
It’s still early days, but the partnership is already changing lives. Dylan shares the story of one young person who attended the clinic and is now playing under-13s for a local club.
“Did the clinic play any part in that? I like to hope so,” Dylan says. “It gave him a taste of it, gave him the confidence to come along on a level playing field with no expectations. Just give it a go. I’d like to hope that provided him with the confidence going forward to try out for under-13s.”
Another young boy who attended the clinic now plays under-11s Auskick. For these kids and their families, it’s not just about kicking a footy, it’s about feeling included, building confidence, and knowing they have a place in their community.
“There’s a lot of anxiety around other programs that say ‘all are welcome,'” Dylan points out. “But that’s not always the case. Someone rocks up and it’s just not inclusive at all. Then it gives them more anxiety. If you see a clinic or program run by Support & Connect, you’re going to know it’s well thought out. You’re going to have great people there who can provide knowledge and assistance.”
Why Support & Connect’s Work Stood Out
Last year, Dylan was recognised as the Disability Inclusive Ambassador of the Year for the West Adelaide region at the SANFL Community Awards. While he’s quick to say he doesn’t do this work for recognition, the award reflects something important: people notice when someone genuinely cares and takes action.
“I think it’s something that’s been starved for so long,” Dylan says. “There’s always one or two people who like to take the initiative, but for someone to actually call it out and say ‘there’s nothing much around here, let’s partner up and do something about it,’ that probably stood out a lot.”
Dylan’s approach is simple but effective: don’t wait for someone else to fix the problem. If you see a gap, fill it. If you have an idea, make it happen.
“I’m someone who, as soon as there’s something in my head, I won’t stop until something’s done,” he says. “We’ve got a lot of great workers who can run the business, so I can donate some of my time for such a special cause.”
What This Means for Families and Young People
If you’re a parent, carer, or young person wondering whether there’s a place for you in community sport, this partnership is for you. Whether your child dreams of running onto the field or you’re looking for a volunteer role where you can contribute and connect, Support & Connect and the SANFL are working together to make it happen.
Dylan wants families to know one thing above all: “If you see the next clinic or program partnered or run by Support & Connect, you’re going to know it’s going to be well thought out. You’re going to have some great people there who can provide really good knowledge and assistance. 100% reach out to myself, Support & Connect, or the SANFL.”
Get Involved
This partnership is still growing, and there’s room for more young people, families, and volunteers to get involved. Whether you’re interested in playing, volunteering, or just learning more about how inclusion works in community sport, Support & Connect is here to help.
Dylan already has strong connections with local footy clubs across the region. “If anyone’s wanting to get into a volunteer role, definitely reach out to myself and I can pass you on to the appropriate people,” he says.
The work happening between Support & Connect and the SANFL isn’t just about footy, it’s about belonging, confidence, and community. It’s about making sure every young person, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Ready to get started? Contact Support & Connect today to learn more about inclusive footy programs, volunteer opportunities, and how we can support you or your young person to get involved in community sport. Because everyone deserves a chance to play.
