AFL Announces New National Event for Disability Inclusion: The Toyota AFL Open

The AFL has introduced a new national event for footballers with intellectual disabilities and wheelchair players: the Toyota AFL Open. This event will take place at the South Pine Sports Complex in Queensland from November 21-26, 2024. Over 200 players will represent their state and territory, competing in two main categories: the 2024 Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair and the 2024 Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion.

The Toyota AFL Open merges the previously separate Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival and the Toyota Wheelchair AFL National Championships into a single, larger tournament. The event will feature more than 90 matches across five days, with the inclusion division using the outdoor grassed oval and the wheelchair AFL games occurring on indoor courts.

The AFL aims to use this event to increase participation and create clear pathways for athletes with disabilities, from grassroots to elite levels. The AFL Open is designed to be inclusive and open to all, emphasising accessibility and community participation.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stated that the creation of the AFL Open represents a significant step forward in making Australian football more inclusive. Dillon emphasised the importance of providing accessible opportunities and clear development pathways for players with disabilities. He also acknowledged the support from Toyota and other partners in hosting and promoting the event.

Toyota Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo expressed pride in supporting the AFL’s disability inclusion initiatives through the long-standing partnership. Naidoo highlighted the positive impact of sports in fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Details such as team announcements and event schedules will be released closer to the event date. The AFL encourages interested parties to follow updates on their website and social media channels.

In 2023, Victoria Metro won the Toyota AFL Wheelchair National Championships, and Tasmania claimed its first title in the Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival. The AFL looks forward to continuing this tradition of competitive and inclusive sports with the 2024 Toyota AFL Open.