Crows Inclusive Academy athletes will have the experience of a lifetime at Showdown LI, thanks to Variety: The Children’s Charity.

All of the participants and their families have been invited to attend, with all of the participants taking on special roles throughout the night.

For the first time since 2019, the Game Day Mascot will run onto the ground and through the banner with the team before the game.

This honour has been given to Andrew Brown, a football-loving 12-year-old who met with captain Rory Sloane ahead of the Showdown for a special kick and catch.

Other Inclusive Academy participants will be involved with raising the Club flag pre-game, cheering the team as the guard of honour and presenting the Variety Showdown Shield to the winning captain.

The Crows Inclusive Academy provides an opportunity for young people living with a disability to discover their passion for AFL football and develop key football skills while forging new friendships and learning how to work as part of a team.

The program launched in 2021 thanks to a partnership between Variety: The Children’s Foundation and the Adelaide Crows Foundation.

Adelaide Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the experience would be special for the participants and their families.

“For many of our families, this will be their first ever time at a football game,” Silvers said.

“It is incredible to see how far the kids have come and the confidence they feel from being part of their own little Inclusive Academy team.

“To see their child out on Adelaide Oval with their football friends is something many parents dream of and for some of these parents, something they didn’t think would be possible.

“Showdown is an incredible experience, and we are very grateful to Variety for their support in making this happen for our young athletes.”

Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide in the battle for the Variety Showdown Shield at Adelaide Oval on Friday, with the first bounce at 7.50pm.