A Football First for Winmar/Bentley CupWednesday, September 13, 2023 - 4:13 PM

The Nicky Winmar/Kirby Bentley Cup headed to Fitzroy Crossing in the state’s north for the first time in a major boost for the region.

More than 100 students aged between 9 and 12 across six different schools competed during the course of the day, with multiple volunteers from the community and students playing their part in the event.

Zoe Bell, Country Football Operations Specialist at the West Australian Football Commission, revealed the reason for taking the Winmar/Bentley Cup to the area.

“Given the floods during the year Fitzroy Crossing was chosen to provide opportunity and re-engagement by the communities,” Bell said.

“Rio Tinto was a major supporter of having the day staged in the Kimberley.” 

The Winmar/Bentley Cup wasn’t purely a day for football.

“The purpose was community engagement and ran as a multicultural carnival to link communities together,” she said.

“Due to the demographics of the region, the program was delivered in conjunction with schools to increase participation.”

“ Instead of results, there was a focus on participation, opportunity and sportsmanship. 

“There was talent was on display and by continuously providing communities in the Fitzroy Valley to these programs it will lead to participation in talent pathways.”

Bell confirmed there are plans for the Winmar/Bentley Cup to expand across the Kimberley.

The Nicky Winmar Carnival began in 2007 and the Kirby Bentley Cup since 2014.

Both carnivals are held annually in metropolitan and country regions as part of the WA football pathway.