The AFL has announced that Melbourne Community Radio station JOY 94.9 will broadcast outside the MCG prior to the Collingwood v Essendon match on Sunday August 4.

The AFL industry including the AFLPA, players, umpires, clubs and more will discuss programs that are designed to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants and supporters of the game.

There are a number of programs and initiatives that exist across all levels of the game that highlight this commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion including:

• Multicultural and Indigenous Programs

• Opportunities for women and girls to play and be involved in football

• The ongoing growth of AFL 9s as an alternative to traditional football

• AFLPA’s Footy for IDAHO campaign

Guests will include Peter Gourlay from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Grant Williams from AFL Victoria, Chris Johnson from the AFL and captain of the Melbourne FC women’s team Daisy Pearce.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said the joint initiative provides an opportunity to highlight the AFL’s social inclusion statement and vilification policy.

“The AFL is a game that everyone can enjoy. From the elite level to community competitions, we want to ensure all those involved in Australian football feel safe and included. The broadcast will give us the opportunity to talk about how we are doing that while tackling issues such as homophobia,” Mr Demetriou said.

“The AFL has a long track record in promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment in football and we remain committed to this objective as part of everyday business. We also recognise the influence the AFL can wield in shifting community attitudes and raising awareness of important social issues. The AFL supports diversity and respectful relationships at all levels of the sport and through our policies and actions we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind”.