Aboriginal youth sports super carnival goes off!Thursday, March 8, 2018 - 1:07 PM

The first weekend of March was an extremely fun-filled, action-packed one for hundreds of young Aboriginal footballers across the State who took part in the Aboriginal Youth Sports Super Carnival run by the WA Football Commission, in partnership with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The weekend of events opened with the Kirby Bentley Cup held at Noranda’s Lightning Park on Friday, March 2.

A record 300 girls between the ages of 13 and 15 showcased their talent in the nine-a-side round robin tournament in front of a crowd of more than 800 people, including Fremantle Dockers AFLW star Kirby Bentley.

Seventeen teams took part in the competition and the Yaakiny Royals (East Perth) claimed the Kirby Bentley Cup for the second year in row under head coach Kristen Nelson.

More than 350 Aboriginal boys aged 13 to 15 participated in Sunday’s Nicky Winmar Carnival at Bendigo Bank Stadium, which drew more than 2,000 people.

Fifteen teams took part in the carnival and Claremont, coached by Shaquille Morton, won the carnival.

The Aboriginal Youth Gala Day also took place on the same day at the Netball Association in Mandurah.

Executive Manager Engagement and Community Football Troy Kirkham said the events were great a success and thanked those who helped make it happen.

“The Nicky Winmar and Kirby Bentley carnivals are fantastic events that bring the community together to celebrate Aboriginal football and highlights some of the most talented 13 to 15 year old’s from right across the state,” Kirkham said.

“The WAFC acknowledges the ongoing support by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in running and coordinating this event, and looks forward to continuing to grow and develop both the Kirby Bentley and Nicky Winmar Carnivals to ensure that youth are engaged in healthy competition, they have the opportunity to showcase their talent, and we continue to engage with the local communities to ensure positive outcomes.”

Image Source: Fremantle Dockers FC