WA All Abilities Kicks Goals in the Kimberley

WA All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA) supported Purple Hands Foundation and Fremantle Football Club to host the annual Kimberley 9’s Carnival in Broome. 

Kimberley 9’s is an interschool AFL football carnival where teams from various schools in the region compete in a round-robin format on Cable Beach.  

Held in term four, students are selected by their school to participate in the Kimberley 9s Carnival as a reward for good school attendance and positive behaviour both in and out of school throughout the year. 

This year more than 400 students from primary and high schools participated, including 80 students involved in WAAAFA’s program.  

These students came from Cable Beach Primary School, St Mary’s Primary, Broome Primary School, Broome North Primary School, St Mary’s Secondary and Broome Senior High School to attend the Carnival. 

The WAAAFA program provided opportunities for students who may not otherwise have the chance to participate in football.  

It brought them together to enjoy the inclusive football activities reinforcing the fun and community spirit of our great game. 

In its second year supporting the Kimberley 9’s, WAAAFA Executive Officer Hayden Marchetto highlighted the organisation’s ongoing commitment to regional WA. 

“We had two sensational days on Cable Beach,” Marchetto said. 

“There were so many smiles, and it was clear everyone had a fantastic time. 

“We’re proud to work alongside Purple Hands Foundation and Fremantle Football Club to deliver this program each year. 

Marchetto also noted the success of the WAAAFA Starkick program run out of the West Kimberley Football League, which launched this year for children aged five to 17 who previously thought they couldn’t play football. 

“Starkick has been a huge success,” Marchetto explained. 

“It’s allowed kids who thought they weren’t capable of playing football to get involved in the game we all love.”