Swans welcome new All Abilities Head Coach

Swan Districts Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Lowery as the 2026 All Abilities Head Coach.

With football deep in the Lowery veins, becoming the All Abilities Head Coach for 2026 made all the sense in the world for Mark.

“As a younger man I played in country Victoria and whilst in the Australian Army in Townsville and Puckapunyal (please don’t hold that against me!). I’ve lived and worked in WA for over 40 years now and consider WA to be my home but alas am still a Carlton supporter. Last year I became a bit more involved in helping out with the training on a Thursday night and feel I have developed a good relationship and a strong rapport with the team members, which I value greatly.”

Mark’s son Jess has been with the All Abilities team for multiple seasons.

“Well, I’ve been coming to watch Jess train and play for the past 3 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Having that close connection with the team has reignited a fire in my belly to go that step further particularly given I have recently retired from fulltime employment and now have time on my hands. But that is only a part of my reasoning to put myself forward.”

“What has really driven me is the team itself and the club. We have a team of young men and women with varying abilities and characters who are so supportive of each other which makes it a very special group. No matter the level of skill they all treat each other as equals which warms my heart.”

Mark’s son Jess has is going into his fourth year in the Swans All Abilities team, where the community of the game is at the core for the love of the club.

“Jess came to the team having played in another football code that in my opinion was somewhat tokenistic in its application of inclusiveness and in doing so winning became the goal and those with lesser abilities were given lesser roles and game time.”

“The opposite can be said at Swans. Jess has come out of his shell and has grown with the camaraderie and social inclusion. His self esteem and confidence in speaking with others has grown enormously. An example of this, and what I get a real buzz out of is: when playing at home, the Swans Women’s team standing, clapping and cheering when the All-Abilities team runs out onto the ground. Same can be said for our band of supporters, parents and carers. He is quite chuffed when this happens!”

The vision Mark has for the 2026 is strong.

“My vision for 2026 is to continue with the great work that Leigh has forged with the team.”

“Yes, winning is important but equally so is the development of our team as a cohesive unit. I believe good sportsmanship is foundational of what the All-Abilities competition represents. Of course we are going to strive to be the best we can and I am very proud and feel very privileged to have been chosen to coach the Swan Districts All-Abilities football team.”

“Finally, I would not have contemplated this role if we didn’t have such a strong support team, Laura, Sam, Kaidon, Cass, Richard, Scott, Wayne, Jason and Jorja. I know I have probably left someone of this list, apologies!!”

Swans welcome Mark and look forward to the 2026 All Abilities season.