SA to host 2022 Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival in November

The Toyota AFL National Involvement Carnival will be played for the first time since 2019, with representative State and Territory teams heading to South Australia for the competition from November 5 to 11.

Angaston Football Club in the Barossa Valley will host the carnival, the first time it will be held in SA.

First played in 2014, the Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival is an annual representative tournament for men with an intellectual disability and showcases these footballers to the wider community.

The Northern Territory will be out to defend their title after winning the last competition in 2019, held in Blacktown, NSW. The last two carnivals have been canceled due to the pandemic.

Toyota will continue as a proud naming rights partner of the carnival, with support from the SANFL, Barossa Council and the AFL.

AFL Executive General Manager Games Development Rob Auld said: “After not being held for two years, it’s fantastic to see the Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival back and played in South Australia for the first time.

“Part of what makes Australian football great is the diverse and inclusive formats that bring communities together and allow people from all walks of life, including those with intellectual disabilities, to participate in the game and experience the thrill of representing their state or territory at a national carnival like the one we will see in SA this year.

“On behalf of the AFF, I want to thank Toyota for their continued support of the game and for recognizing the importance of this carnival as a way to showcase the best footballers with intellectual disabilities. I would also like to thank the considerable support of the SANFL, Barossa Council, Angaston Football Club and the local community in organizing the event.

“Many people, including volunteers, have worked tirelessly to give all participants, especially players, coaches, referees and officials, the opportunity to experience the carnival, which has not happened since 2019. It will certainly it will be a fantastic event and I wish everyone involved all the best”.

Barossa Mayor, Bim Lange welcomed the announcement, saying the 2022 Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival aligns with the Council’s vision for inclusion and participation in sport.

“We are thrilled that the AFL is bringing this event to regional South Australia for the first time. It is a great opportunity for our community to join in the spirit of competition and celebration that is synonymous with Carnival and we hope to encourage them people in our country. the local community with intellectual disabilities to be included in the future,” said Mayor Lange.

“Our Council’s huge investment in sporting infrastructure through the Big Project has made this event possible. With over 200 competitors, support staff and spectators coming to stay in the Barossa, it’s another great example of how we can increase sporting event tourism in the Barossa. to give our local economy a huge boost.”

Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said Toyota is proud to be supporting the Toyota AFL National Involvement Carnival and thanked the AFL for such an outstanding initiative.

“It’s great to see the tournament back after two years. The role it plays for people of all abilities to be able to come together as a team and showcase their skills in the field is incredible.

“Toyota is committed to empowering all ages and abilities to participate in the AFL’s big game, and we continue to support its development at all levels, from grassroots to elite.” said Mr Naidoo.

The structure of the carnival: Eight teams (12-a-side) will play a blitz carnival format over the first two days, then, based on results, the top four teams move into Division 1 and the bottom four teams go into Division 2. Teams play three match against opponents in their division, before the top two teams play in the grand final.

The first National Carnival of Inclusion was played in 2014 in Melbourne. Below is a history of the host cities and previous winners: