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Our Impact

Variety Showdown Shield Partnership

Variety – the Children’s Charity of South Australia is proud to partner with the Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club as part of a long-running community initiative built around one of football’s great rivalries.
The Variety Showdown Shield partnership began in 2018 as the first charity-driven collaboration between the two clubs, with Variety SA holding naming rights to the Shield.
In 2024, the partnership was renewed for a further three years and expanded to include the AFLW Showdown.

Now in its eighth year, the partnership has contributed a total of $1.6 million in funding since inception. Under the current agreement, Variety SA is providing $375,000 to each club to support their respective community programs:
• Adelaide Crows Foundation — Open Parachute Program, focused on children’s mental health and wellbeing in schools. 

• Power Community Limited — Community Youth Program, helping students build habits that support long-term health and learning.

We Support

These programs reach thousands of South Australian children each year.
Together, we are empowering children to live without limits.

Open Parachute Mental Health Program

The Open Parachute Program aims to tackle the child and
youth mental health crisis through teaching practical resilience skills to students, educators and parents.

Open Parachute is a cutting-edge well-being program aimed at upskilling, through peer role-modelling, which is clinically proven to help students develop resilience. Participating schools also receive an in person Crows Resilience talk where AFL players share their lived experience of building resilience and overcoming mental challenges.

Thanks to the generous support of Variety SA the Adelaide Crows Foundation can provide an additional 4000 students with access to year-round support through this valuable program.
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Power Community Youth Program

The Community Youth Program, delivered in partnership with the Government of South Australia, inspires primary school students to develop healthy, active lifestyles.   
The program highlights the importance of daily movement for physical, mental and social wellbeing, helping students build habits that support long-term health and learning. Through interactive sessions and engagement with Port Adelaide Football Club players as role models, students are encouraged to be active, resilient and confident.  
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Donate today and create brighter futures.

Through the Variety Showdown Shield Partnership, your donation helps fund programs that support children across South Australia to grow, participate and reach their full potential.

Charity donations of $2 or more to Variety - the Children's Charity South Australia are tax-deductible in Australia. You will receive a receipt in your name.
Variety Showdown partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
The Variety Showdown Partnership is proudly supported by the Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club.

The Variety Showdown Partnership brings together the Adelaide Football Club, Port Adelaide Football Club and Variety – the Children's Charity to create life-changing opportunities for South Australian children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability. Through scholarships, grants and unique experiences, the partnership helps children reach their potential both on and off the field.

The partnership supports a range of initiatives, including the Open Parachute Mental Health Program, the Power Community Youth Program, Variety grants and scholarships, and memorable football experiences that inspire children and families.

Football has the power to inspire, connect communities and create unforgettable experiences. Through the Variety Showdown Partnership, the rivalry between South Australia's AFL clubs becomes a force for good, helping children build confidence, create memories and pursue their dreams.

Experiences such as attending the Showdown, meeting AFL players or participating in match-day activities help build confidence, create lasting memories and give children opportunities they may never otherwise have.

Families, carers and support professionals can apply for assistance through Variety's grants and scholarship programs. Applications are assessed based on eligibility and the individual needs of each child. Apply Now

The partnership provides practical support including grants, scholarships and unforgettable experiences that help children build confidence, develop new skills and access opportunities they may not otherwise have. This includes support for sport, education, the arts and wellbeing.

Real stories. Real impact.

The impact doesn't end on game day.
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