AnglicareSA, in partnership with the Port Adelaide Football Club and the South Australian Government’s Office for Autism, provided sensory support items to 100 neurodivergent children along with tickets to Port’s round 22 game against Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval.

One of those to receive the pack was 10-year-old Lachlan, who accesses services through our Outreach AnglicareSA Therapeutic Services (OATS).

Each pack is thoughtfully designed to help make the young people’s game day experience better and their tickets were strategically placed near Adelaide Oval’s sensory space – a room for people of all ages who have sensory sensitivities, providing them with a quiet zone to help reregulate and recharge away from the stimulation of an event.

An avid Power fan whose favourite player is Zak Butters, Lachlan said he was looking forward to heading to the game with his dad Jason.

“I find big loud experiences a little challenging,” he said. “It’s amazing that this has given me the chance to go but also giving me things like headphones and fidget spinners to help.”

His dad said AnglicareSA’s inclusive program for Lachlan had been instrumental in his development, confidence, and growth.

“It’s great that AnglicareSA and the Port Adelaide Football Club have partnered in developing a program to help children with needs feel wanted and included in venues like Adelaide Oval,” he said.

Each backpack included two tickets, a stress football, cap, drink bottle, sunglasses, noise-cancelling headphones, stationery kit, colouring page, fidget spinners, and an information sheet for Adelaide Oval’s sensory space.

AnglicareSA CEO Grant Reubenicht said the organisation was proud to partner with the Port Adelaide Football Club to make game day at Adelaide Oval more inclusive for children and families.

“These sensory support backpacks are a small but powerful way to help reduce anxiety and make footy more accessible for everyone.”

The backpacks were made possible through the State Government’s Autism Works in the Community grants program, with Port Adelaide one of 17 recipients to receive game-changing support.

Power Community Limited General Manager, Jake Battifuoco, said the initiative – the first of its kind at an AFL match at Adelaide Oval – was a part of the club’s broader commitment to ensuring all members and supporters, like Lachlan, felt welcome at its games.

“We are incredibly proud to be providing sensory support items to 100 neurodivergent children, with each pack designed to help make their game-day experience more accessible, comfortable and enjoyable,” he said.

“At Port Adelaide, we believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the footy in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This initiative is a meaningful part of our broader commitment to ensuring all members and supporters feel welcome at our games.”

Minister for Autism Emily Bourke, who was at Alberton Oval to present Lachlan with his pack, said the State Government was proud to invest in autism inclusion measures and was pleased to see Port Adelaide and AnglicareSA working together to make it a reality for families.

“We want game day to be accessible to all fans and having these backpacks available will help children and adults to enjoy more of the action from their seats,” the minister said.

“This initiative builds on our support to deliver a new sensory space at Adelaide Oval, creating a more inclusive environment throughout the year.”