My Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience

Alex Nikolarakos 

Year 11

Fiona McBurney was a woman with Down Syndrome. She had a brother named Stephen McBurney. Stephen was an AFL umpire. Stephen used to take Fiona to football games. Fiona loved football.

Stephen had an idea. He wanted to bring people with Down Syndrome to AFL games so they could enjoy it like Fiona did. Once a week, a person with Down syndrome goes to an AFL game at Marvel Stadium. They are an official Guest AFL Umpire for the day. 

On Saturday 2nd of May I got to be that person. I received a match day uniform. I was so excited.

I walked out with the umpires and carried the match ball. I helped them warm up and prepare for the game. 

It felt good to be in the centre square watching the stadium fill up with people.

I helped the umpire who was doing the bounce warm up. I helped the umpire set up the coin toss. Brisbane won the toss. And the game, but I don’t want to talk about that! 

I shook hands of the captain of The Bombers Andrew McGrath and The Lions co-captain Josh Dunkley.

During the game, I sat at the official’s bench between the Bombers and Lions. My family sat in the crowd near me. Some of my schoolteachers came to the game to see me. I was so happy to see them.

Don Casey and Leigh Keen were my chaperones for the day. They showed me around, introduced me to people and kept my family company too.

I went to the Bombers and Brisbane Lions change rooms at half time.

At the end of the match, we went back to the umpire’s rooms, and I was presented with a certificate and a special umpire top signed by the umpires. My name is listed in the Footy Record in the umpires’ section. The umpires were all so friendly and kind to me. They looked after me and made sure I had a great day.

I loved this day. 

It was the best time ever. 

Go AFL Umpires (Go Bombers)!

Fiona McBurney died in 2009. Stephen and his family, the AFL and DSV [Down Syndrome Victoria] have continued the program. It is called the Fiona McBurney Match Day experience. 

If you would like to know more about the program visit  Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience.