The Crows Inclusive Academy provides an opportunity for young people with an intellectual disability to discover their passion for AFL football and train alongside their Crows heroes, thanks to support from Variety the Children’s Charity.

More than 70 young people with an intellectual disability spent four weeks developing key football skills, while forging new friendships and learning how to work as part of a team.

From kicking and handballing to tackling and footwork, the athletes embraced the challenge and gained a new-found confidence in their football skills as they enthusiastically attempted new drills and exercises they had never attempted before.

More than 40 of Adelaide men’s and women’s players embraced the role of assistant coaches, sharing their love of football with the participants and walking side by side with the participants to encourage them when learning new skills.