Nicky Winmar Carnival Showcases Teenage TalentThursday, December 15, 2022 - 2:30 PM

Fifteen years after the Nicky Winmar Carnival was launched, the concept remains an important event for young Indigenous footballers in this state.

The Carnival was staged in October at UWA Sports Ground with 180 players from 6 teams in the Perth metro WAFL zones taking part.

Joseph Ugle, Indigenous Program Specialist at the West Australian Football Commission, praised the standard of play throughout the Carnival.

“Having players who were part of the NGA Academies from the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers was important.

The teamwork and quality in matches were very impressive,” he said.

The Grand Final was played between Perth and South Fremantle.

In a close contest, the Demons won the decider with a goal in the final seconds of the match.

Ugle explained how the Carnival impacts the teenagers.

“It’s important we engage with Indigenous footballers to promote Indigenous communities and provide players with opportunities.

That assistance may help them in their junior community journey, in amateur football or all the way to the WAFL or state programs.

It also helps attract participants who have never played football and allows us to grow the game we love.

If we don’t run these carnivals and give opportunities to these young players, the numbers involved in football will inevitably drop,” he said.

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 goal of the 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.