Fiona McBurney Match day Experience
The Fiona McBurney Match Day experience aims to connect sport and disability by providing a unique experience for individuals to undertake an official guest AFL trainer role for AFL umpires on match day.
The program will host 20 matches at Marvel Stadium and 10 matches at Adelaide Oval in 2026.
The Fiona McBurney MDE program is named after the sister of retired AFL umpire and current Head of Officiating Stephen McBurney. Fiona McBurney, who passed away in 2009, had Down Syndrome and loved football, so naming the program after her was an ideal outcome for everyone involved.
“The Fiona McBurney MDE is such a popular and successful program. Down Syndrome Victoria is privileged to partner with the AFLUA to offer these incredible experiences in honour and memory of Fiona” said CEO of Down Syndrome Victoria Dan Payne.
The program’s participants assist match-day trainers in the performance of their duties, umpires with pre-match preparation and the coin toss and get to witness an AFL match from the official’s bench at Marvel Stadium.
Participants receive a matchday uniform and a certificate to commemorate their involvement in the program.
The AFLUA would like to thank the AFL Umpiring Department, media and ticketing department, the SANFL Umpiring Department, Down Syndrome Victoria and our AFL umpires, trainers and chaperones for their enthusiastic support in running the program.
Tom Bryce
Fiona McBurney Program Ambassador