Count Me In Round Showcases Inclusive Football in Action
What makes a sporting club truly inclusive?
Sometimes, it’s not the scoreboard that tells the story – it’s the welcome players receive as they take to the field, the encouragement from the sidelines and the sense of belonging that extends well beyond the game.
That was on full display at the Count Me In Round hosted by Swan Districts Football Club in Bassendean, where Sport4All joined the community to celebrate inclusive football and the people who make it possible.
The event featured Starkick participants playing during the seniors’ half-time break, while Swan Districts’ All Abilities team took on the Wanneroo Roos in their regular weekly fixture. Throughout the day, players were supported by families, coaches, volunteers and supporters who shared a common goal – to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy football in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
For Swan Districts Football Club, inclusion is more than a single event. The club’s All Abilities program forms part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in community football and feel part of the club.
The day also highlighted the important role volunteers play in creating inclusive sporting experiences. Sport4All congratulates Dani Pickett, Team Manager of the Wanneroo Roos, on her nomination for the 2026 WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award. Dani’s dedication reflects the countless volunteers whose time, care and commitment help make inclusive community sport possible every week.
Swan Districts Football Club is expanding its All Abilities program into the Shire of Mundaring, working with local schools and the community to introduce more young people to inclusive football and create new participation pathways.
Events like the Count Me In Round remind us that building inclusive communities doesn’t happen through a single match. It happens through clubs, volunteers and local partnerships working together to create environments where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong and enjoy sport.
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