Kimberley 9’s AFL carnival set for Broome, breaking records for inclusivity and participationPhoebe SolonBroome AdvertiserMon, 13 October 2025 2:30PM
The Western Australian All Abilities Football Association, in partnership with the Purple Hands Foundation and Fremantle Football Club, will bring the Kimberley 9’s AFL carnival to Broome at the end of this month.
The event will be held at Cable Beach on Wednesday, October 29, and Thursday, October 30.
This year’s interschool AFL carnival will have students from remote towns and communities in the Kimberley coming together for what is set to be the largest Kimberley 9’s in history. With a record number of participants expected, the two-day carnival will offer a unique mix of football, culture, wellness, and connection.
In a milestone, 111 children with disabilities are registered to take part, marking a 30 per cent increase in participation compared to 2024.
Recently, WAAAFA was named the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for WA in the Building Communities category. This prestigious recognition highlights the organization’s ongoing work in creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage with their community and participate in Australian Rules Football.
WAAAFA’s mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy, connection and opportunities football provides. As WA’s leading organisation dedicated to inclusive football, WAAAFA collaborates with local clubs, schools, government bodies, businesses, and the broader football community to create equitable access to the sport.
Hayden Marchetto, executive officer of WAAAFA, commented on the award, saying it reflects the collective efforts of their team and the communities they serve across WA.
“This achievement is not just for us — it’s for everyone who was once told ‘sport isn’t for you.’ Together, we are showing that sport is for everyone,” he said.
WAAAFA will represent Western Australia at the National Telstra Best of Business Awards in Brisbane on November 20, when the national winners will be announced.
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