The Nicky Winmar Carnival is an annual round robin tournament coordinated by the West Australian Football Commission, targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male youth aged 13 to 15. The tournament features teams representing the WAFL districts within the metropolitan area, providing participants a great opportunity to showcase their skills & connect with the WAFL talent pathway.  

The Nicky Winmar Carnival was originally created to provide disengaged and at risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male youth with another platform to reconnect with the WA Football pathway. The inaugural Nicky Winmar Carnival was played in 2007 and consisted of five teams representing North and South metropolitan Perth and three regional sides. The overall goal of the Nicky Winmar Carnival is to increase the amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and community members participating in clubs and development squads as either players, coaches, umpires, administrators, or volunteers.

The carnival provides members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with the opportunity to:

• Participate in a structured WA football marquee event.
• Achieve coaching and umpiring accreditation.
• Re-engage with educational and sport participation programs.
• Connect with AFL/WAFL mentors and role models.
• Potentially be identified for WAFL development pathways.

Nicky Winmar, who the carnival is named in honour of, was a brilliant South Fremantle, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs player who bewildered opponents and exhilarated the football public for more than 15 years. Growing up in Pingelly in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, Nicky possessed silky skills, a breathtaking mark and a glorious kick. Nicky was a multiple St Kilda Fairest and Best winner, an All-Australian, a multiple WA State representative and was the first Indigenous player to play 200 VFL/AFL games. 

More recently, Nicky was inducted into the WA Football Hall of Fame in 2009 and additionally has a sculpture outside of Perth’s Optus Stadium, dedicated to and commemorating his famous and symbolic stance against racism in 1993 against Collingwood. 

Event Details

Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Venue: UWA Sports Park – 10 McGillivray Road, Mount Claremont

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to participate in this carnival, participants must:

• Be born in years 2009, 2010 or 2011 (strictly ages 13, 14 or 15). 
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Register through PlayHQ. 

REGISTRATIONS OPEN JULY 2024 | HERE

Nicky Winmar Carnival FAQs
Who can participate in this carnival?

• Participants eligible for the Nicky Winmar Carnival are males who are born in years 2009, 2010 or 2011 (strictly ages 13, 14 or 15), and identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

How do I register for the carnival?

• You can register to participate in the carnival by simply clicking on the link provided and following the prompts on the PlayHQ registration form. 
• Registrations open in July. The link the register will also be provided in July when registrations open. 

How will I know if I am selected to play in the carnival?

• Everyone who meets the participation criteria and completes the online registration will be given the opportunity to play in all games throughout the carnival. 

How will I receive more information about the carnival?

• Once registered, you will receive information and details on your participation in the carnival a few weeks out from the carnival date from your district Participation Officer. This will include information around what to bring, what to wear, game times and other important information to make sure you are all ready to go and have a whole lot of fun. 

Is there a carnival for girls?

• Yes – the Kirby Bentley Cup! To find out more information about the Kirby Bentley Cup, please click here.

Contact Us
All requests & enquiries go to diversity@wafc.com.au.