The team at Next Ability Academy is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive football environment where athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism can grow, compete, and succeed. Our programs develop elite football skills, fitness, and teamwork while opening pathways to higher representative and mainstream opportunities.
Rob Klemm
Director
Peter Ryan
Director
Anthony Scolyer
Director
Andrew Johnston
Director
Chris Pargeter
Director
Rob Klemm (PSM) is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in inclusive Australian football. A five‑time All Australian Coach at the AFL National Inclusion Carnival, he has also led teams to six Division 1/A Grade premierships in the Football Integration Development Association across 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2025.Across his 15‑year tenure as President of the Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club, Rob has been a driving force behind the club’s growth, culture and long‑term success. His coaching career spans an extraordinary 29 years with the Football Integration Development Association, guiding players at both Broadmeadows and Williamstown with unwavering commitment, expertise and care.
Peter Ryan (OAM) is a pioneering figure in inclusive sport and community leadership. A founding member of the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), he has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. His long‑standing service is recognised through FIDA Life Membership and his national honour, the Medal of the Order of Australia. Peter’s football journey also spans decades with the Hawthorn Football Club, both as a player and administrator, where he is a Life Member. He played one senior game for the Hawks before transitioning into influential off‑field roles, contributing 25 years in recruiting and nine years as part of the club’s fitness and rehabilitation staff.
Anthony Scolyer has made an outstanding impact on community football through his leadership, commitment, and passion for developing players both on and off the field. As coach of Victoria's AFL Open Inclusion side (2023, 2025), Anthony has been instrumental in driving performance, inclusion, and team culture at the state level, showcasing his ability to bring out the best in his players. At club level, Anthony guided the Fountain Gate FIDA football team to three peat premiership success through 2022-2024. In addition, Anthony is currently a lead coach for the AFL South East Juniors Interleague program.
Andrew Johnston is a long-serving and passionate contributor to community football who played a key role in establishing inclusion football at the Fountain Gate Football Club. In 2025, Andrew joined the Victoria AFL Open inclusion coaching group as an Assistant Coach, where his knowledge and experience helped elevate the teams performance and unity. Andrew has held long term roles as a Club President (2019-2023) and Football Operations Manager (2024-2025). Currently, Andrew is a lead coach for the AFL South East Juniors Interleague program.
Chris Pargeter is a highly respected FIDA coach and community advocate. He led the Wodonga Bulldogs in the Northern Conference from 2019 to 2022 and is a founding member of North Albury FIDA, where he has served as head coach since 2023. A two‑time Vic Country coach, Chris guided the team to a Division 2 runner‑up finish in 2022 and the Division 2 premiership in 2023 — proudly maintaining his unbeaten record against Vic Metro along the way. Chris began playing senior country football at just fifteen and brings that lifelong passion for the game into every team he leads.