Members of the APM Employment Services team celebrate the launch of the 2023 APM SANFL Inclusive League season with players at a launch event this week.
APM is delighted to announce they have renewed their sponsorship as naming rights partner of the SANFL Inclusive League in season 2023 and beyond.
The re-signing of a new multi-year partnership deal with APM will see the successful community football league for players with intellectual disability continue to grow, allowing more participants to get involved with football at their local club.
Entering its fifth season as the APM SANFL Inclusive League in 2023, the competition – which kicks off this weekend – has more than 150 male players representing teams from seven metropolitan clubs.
“We want everyone to have an opportunity to get involved in not just playing our great game but benefiting mentally and socially from the community connections that it brings,” said SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler.
“This ongoing commitment from APM to inclusive football is supporting this goal and ensuring SANFL can continue to grow and develop our game and provide these great opportunities, no matter age, gender or ability.
“Our aim is to also start building a real football pathway for young players with disability and the continuing expansion of the inclusive league thanks to APM is big step forward in achieving this.”
As part of its partnership with SANFL, APM will continue to support the APM State Inclusive Academy team, which won the AFL National Inclusion Carnival for the first time in 2022.
Members of the 2022 APM State Inclusive team present APM Regional Manager – DES Natasha Mansfield (centre) with a signed guernsey from the AFL National Inclusion championships, won by SA.
Each year APM supports over 2 million people to find employment, improve their health and wellbeing, and participate in their community.
APM Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Anghie said APM was proud to continue its partnership with the SANFL Inclusive League.
“APM was a foundation sponsor in 2019 of this great initiative and we are pleased to continue supporting it,” Mr Anghie said.
“Football and football clubs are part of the fabric of Australian communities, and we have seen first-hand the difference being part of a sporting team, competition and the associated community makes to people living with disability.
“Importantly, the APM Inclusive League not only offers competitive football to inclusive teams in a safe, fun and friendly environment, but has a focus on the personal development of players and their families, and social inclusion at community football clubs.”
The extension of this partnership with SANFL leads on from APM’s recent support of the WA All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA), as an event partner of the 2022 Wheelchair AFL National Championships and a three-year partnership with Hockey Australia.
The first game of the season kicks off Saturday, 29 April – view the SANFL Inclusive League fixture for more information.