The Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience is back for 2024. The programme was officially launched at Marvel Stadium last Wednesday 27th of April. Participants were presented with their Certificates of Achievement for completing the experience, signed by both AFLUA CEO Rob Kerr and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
The programme brings in participants with Down syndrome, paired with ex-VFL or AFL umpires volunteering as chaperones, to act as a guest umpire trainer before the match. The experience includes assisting umpires with the coin toss, attending a dedicated training session at Marvel Stadium to meet the umpire and trainer teams, umpire AFL umpire paraphernalia, the listing of the participants name in the Football Record and photos by AFL photographers.
The launch included program participants, family members, and chaperones as well as members from the AFL Umpiring Department, AFLUA, Down Syndrome Victoria and AFL CEO, Mr Andrew Dillion. It was a great night, with program participants eagerly receiving their match day gear and certificate of participation.
