ELLENBROOK Junior Football Club volunteer Dan Hilton was named AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year for two decades of work helping children of all abilities find a place in football.

The award was announced at the Starkick Gala Day at Cockburn ARC on August 17 and included a flight to Melbourne to attend the 2025 AFL Grand Final.

Mr Hilton has lived in Ellenbrook for 23 years, volunteering with the club for 20 and has taken on many roles.

He has been a coach, vice president and, most recently, youth integrated coordinator.

In 2022, Mr Hilton launched the club’s first All-Abilities program with just three players.

Three years later, that number has grown to 34, making it the second-largest junior All-Abilities centre in WA.

In 2024, he introduced a youth team, which has doubled in size since its inception.

Mr Hilton said football’s always been a big part of his family’s life.

“All four of my boys play, from juniors through to WAFL league,” he said.

“But Starkick is where my heart lies now.

“There should be no reason why any child who wants to play can’t have that opportunity.”

Mr Hilton said his passion came from personal experience as growing up with a brother living with disability and being raised by a single mother taught him to help where he could.

“You’re either a giver or a taker,” he said.

“If you can give, then you should.”

Mr Hilton also empowers young leaders within the program to take on coaching and support roles aiming to create a more inclusive football community in the long term.

WA All Abilities Football Association inclusion specialist Rob Geersen said Hilton’s impact extended well beyond the sidelines.

“It’s what Dan does behind the scenes that makes him so special,” he said.

“He doesn’t seek recognition, he shies away from it, but the impact he has is immeasurable on the kids and families he touches.”

WA Football’s club development and volunteer specialist Jenne Emberson said Mr Hilton’s devotion to inclusivity was exceptional.

“His unwavering dedication to creating pathways for people of all abilities really sets him apart as a leader in this space,” she said.

Mr Hilton said his work was never about recognition and fostering connection was always the priority.

“Being part of the club, watching these kids grow up into young men, bumping into them around town years later, that’s what keeps me here,” he said.

He recalled watching a recent WAFL match where three former Ellenbrook juniors took the field.

“I was just sitting there with a smile on my face, knowing they’d done well for themselves (and) that’s what it’s all about.”

Mr Hilton also praised the generosity of others in the Ellenbrook football community, singling out parents who travel long distances to support not just their own children, but the whole club.

“It’s inspiring to see what some parents instil in their kids,” he said.

“You can just tell they’re going to grow up to be respectful, decent people.”

He encouraged families who may feel there’s no sporting option for their child to reach out to WA All Abilities Football.

“There are more than 30 Starkick clubs now across the state,” Mr Hilton said.

“If your child wants to play, we’ll find a way.”

After 20 years at the club, Mr Hilton said it’s hard to imagine doing anything else.

“If you’ve never seen a Starkick session, do yourself a favour.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave with a full heart.

“Football is just the medium.

“What we’re really building is a positive, supportive community.”