Richmond is thrilled to announce that the Club’s joint-major partner, nib, has extended its relationship to include the Tigers’ Wheelchair football team for the upcoming 2024 season.

Founded in 2018, Richmond’s Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) team provides an opportunity for people with a disability who love football, to join in playing the sport. The game, which is played on an indoor basketball court that is divided into thirds, is for mixed teams of men and women, and matches are played over four 10-minute quarters.

The new partnership with nib will support the ongoing growth and development of the Richmond wheelchair program, with nib’s investment contributing to the purchase of new wheelchairs that will be used by players during training, in match play and in the facilitation of community programs. 

nib will also support the development of a school program: Richmond wheelchair players will visit local primary schools to promote the Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) and wheelchair football and drive a greater awareness of accessibility for young people.    

“Football is a game for everyone, and having our Richmond wheelchair players in schools promoting the VWFL will be a great boost for participation. We thank nib for its support,” said Richmond CEO Brendon Gale. 

“We are lucky that we share a long and fruitful partnership with nib, which has encompassed our elite men’s and women’s football teams, as well as our Korin Gamadji Institute.

“nib is invested in all aspects of our Club, and this partnership shows a commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sporting community.”

nib's Australian Residents Health Insurance Chief Executive, Ed Close, said nib was proud to extend its relationship with Richmond to include the Tigers’ Wheelchair Football team.

“The expansion of our partnership to include Richmond’s Wheelchair Football team strengthens our relationship with the Tigers and supports nib’s commitment in ensuring that more than 20% of sponsorship spend supports partnerships advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Mr Close. 

“This caps off a remarkable year for nib in diversifying our partnership portfolio.”

“nib advocates for people living with a disability through its business nib Thrive. It has also extended its sport association with the Newcastle Knights first ‘All Abilities’ team, via the Game Changer program.” 

“nib also took part in the Shift 20 initiative, joining with seven other major brands in advocating for better representation in advertising within Australia for people with a disability.  And we appointed Dylan Alcott as nib’s Chief Motivation Officer.” 

nib recognises the role that sport plays in social inclusion for people with a disability. nib’s ethos is to improve health and wellbeing for all members, their families and communities.

Richmond’s 2024 VWFL season started Sunday (April 28). The full fixture with information on how to attend future matches can be found here.

Rules of Wheelchair AFL

• The game is played on an indoor basketball court divided into thirds.
• A handball is the equivalent to a kick.
• An underarm throw is the equivalent to a handball.
• There are five players on court: two forwards, two defenders and a centre.
• Men and women can compete on one team.
• Up to two players without a physical disability are allowed on the squad.
• Only one player without a disability is allowed on the court.