Young Aboriginal footballers showcase their talentMonday, December 28, 2015 - 12:04 PM

More than 50 Aborginal players showcased their talent and footy skills at the South Metro Nicky Winmar Tri-Series Carnival held at Nicholson Reserve in Yangebup on Friday, December 11.

South East, South Fremantle and Peel Nicky Winmar teams went head-to-head in three 40 minute games, South East claimed victory after beating South Fremantle and drawing with Peel.

The South Metro carnival, which is held twice a year, aims to give Aboriginal boys between the ages of 12 and 15 an opportunity to play other Nicky Winmar teams as a form preparation ahead of the main carnival in March.

The 2015 Nicky Winmar Carnival proved to be a great success and featured 13 teams, more than 350 players and a crowd in excess of 2,000 people.

It was the largest since its inception in 2009.

Players in the non-competing teams for each match were given the opportunity to umpire the tri-series carnival alongside AFL umpire Dean Margetts and WAFL Umpire Manager Darryl Sinclair.

"The highlight for Darryl and I was two of the students who had attended our recent clinics were on hand and jumped at the opportunity to field umpire the game," Mr Margetts said.

The Tri-Series carnival also acted as a reward for the players who had attended all training sessions since November, in the lead up to the 2016 carnival.

Community Engagement Manager Paul Mugambwa said the players had shown great development over the training period.

"There was a lot of talent on show and many of these boys will be selected in the WA Kickstart team for 2016 and then move into our development pathway," Mr Mugambwa said.

The 2016 Nicky Winmar Carnival will be held at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Sunday, March 6.