For 13-year-old Broome resident Landen Stubbs, playing and watching football is something he has enjoyed most of his life.

Now, Landen will be able to do both these things on the same day.

Thanks to Starkick and SEDA Group, Landen has won a trip to Perth to take part in the second Hand in Hand Crossing for Inclusion ahead of the AFL’s Round 9 Friday night clash between Fremantle and Sydney at Optus Stadium. 

He will not only get a seat to the game, but at half time, Landen will join fellow Starkick participants from across Perth to play footy on Perth’s home of football, Optus Stadium, in front of thousands of fans.

“It feels exciting, and I can’t wait to watch the AFL game and play on the field,” Landen said.

Landen’s mother Tracy said the move from Queensland to Broome has been so beneficial for Landen’s football.

“Landen used to play AFL in Queensland but had to stop because of wearing glasses and unable to follow the complex rules,” she said.

“When we moved to Broome, we heard about Starkick, the program has given Landen the opportunity to play footy and join in the community.”

Starkick launched in Broome over the weekend with nine participants registering for the all-abilities football program that caters for children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 17. 

Late last year, students from SEDA Group donated funds to Starkick which will be used to fly Landen and his mother to Perth for the May 10 event.
WA Football Commission Inclusion Specialist, Rob Geersen thanked the SEDA students for their support.

“Students at SEDA Group have been great supporters of Starkick and we look forward to continuing the relationship,” Geersen said.

“These funds not only assist with our Starkick program, which is run by volunteers, but also benefits our participants by providing them with more opportunities to be part of our great game and the local community.”