It’s not football for all when a group of people are excluded.

Solidarity with our friends in the UK.

Around 90% of disabilities are invisible. These are physical, mental or neurological impairments that are not visible from the outside. Things like mental health conditions, diabetes, brain injury, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

In an Australian context, 4.4 million people identify as having a disability. That’s almost 20% of the population.

A shoutout to high profile footballers like Matilda Mackenzie Arnold (hearing impairment) and US player Carson Pickett (limb difference), who have shown leadership through their actions and have challenged stigmas.

A huge shoutout to the many folks in football making our game inclusive from grassroots to the elite-the mighty World Champion Paramatildas, the Pararoos, Australian Powerchair Football, Blind Football, Deaf Football, and the many local initiatives, like the all abilities programs run by many clubs.

Ours too!

Beyondblue at www.beyondblue.org.au
Available 24/7
Call: 1300 224 636

Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au
Available 24/7
Call: 13 11 14

If today has raised difficult feelings for you, remember that you can get support.

Switchboard
Free Victorian LGBTIQA+ Service
10AM - 5PM, 7 days (closed some public holidays)
Call: 1800 729 367

QLife
Free Australia wide LGBTIQ+ service
3PM - 12AM, 7 days
Call: 1800 184 527

This year has seen a surge in transphobia, with trans people in football, and in sport more widely here and abroad, heavily targeted. Trans women have been vilified and harassed. We stand against attempts to use trans inclusion in sport as a wedge issue.

Today is also a call for cis people to educate themselves, amplify trans voices, advocate for inclusive policies and legislation, promote safer spaces, challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, support trans organisations and stand as an ally.

In honouring the memory of those lost we also honour the resilience & strength of the trans community.

Trans people are subject to disproportionately high rates of violence and discrimination, with trans people of colour even more impacted.