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Football Futures Foundation and Matildas legend Lydia Williams will visit Kalgoorlie and Perth as part of the first phase of a new statewide initiative empowering Aboriginal women and girls through football. 

The visit will include school engagements, community clinics and opportunities for local communities to connect: 

  • Lydia Williams and Football Futures Foundation will be in Kalgoorlie on Monday 20 April and Tuesday 21 April. 
  • On Saturday 18 April, Lydia Williams and Football Futures Foundation will visit the Girls Festival of Community Soccer at Hilton Reserve, Beaconsfield. 
  • On Monday 20 April, Lydia Williams and Football Futures Foundation will visit CAPS Kurrawang school in the morning, deliver a goalkeeping clinic at Oasis Playing Fields in the afternoon and host a social football session with Kalgoorlie PCYC in the evening. 
  • On Tuesday 21 April, Lydia Williams and Football Futures Foundation plans to visit other schools in Kalgoorlie and host a community social soccer session and BBQ/meet and greet at Wallace Park from 4pm. 
  • On Thursday 23 April, Lydia Williams and Football Futures Foundation will visit Gilmore College in Perth to wrap up this first phase of the Yilkari launch. 

These visits mark the first phase of the Yilkari x Football Futures Foundation initiative, with future phases expanding into regional and remote communities across Western Australia. 

Overview 

Matildas legend and proud Noongar woman Lydia Williams has joined forces with Football Futures Foundation to launch Yilkari x Football Futures Foundation — a two-year initiative designed to empower Aboriginal women and girls across regional and remote Western Australia through culturally safe football pathways. 

The partnership brings together Lydia’s lifelong commitment to representation and wellbeing for First Nations women in sport with Football Futures Foundation’s proven expertise in inclusion and community development through football. 

Over two years, the program will train 20 Aboriginal women as accredited football coaches and establish 30 girls’ teams across regional communities. Together, these women will lead culturally grounded football programs that build confidence, connection, and community pride. 

The initiative aligns with Lydia Williams’ mission to ensure that Aboriginal women and girls are seen, heard, and supported in football. 

The word Yilkari — meaning ‘shine brightly’ in Noongar language — symbolises the spirit of the program, helping women and girls shine both on and off the field. 

Football Futures Foundation, Western Australia’s leading inclusion partner of Football West, will deliver on-the-ground training, safeguarding and cultural engagement through its network of regional partners and community organisations. 

Together with the Lydia Williams Foundation and key partners including FIFA, the Department of Health’s Play Our Way program, and Professional Footballers Australia, the initiative aims to create a sustainable, women-led ecosystem for Indigenous participation in football. 

The program will culminate in major regional activations and a statewide celebration bringing communities together through football, culture and storytelling. 

Yilkari x Football Futures Foundation represents a legacy investment in Indigenous women’s leadership and wellbeing through sport. The program will capture and share its impact through storytelling, photography and evaluation led by Aboriginal women, ensuring its lessons and inspiration reach far beyond the pitch. 

“Football changed my life — it gave me a voice, identity, and strength to dream bigger than I ever thought possible. Through Yilkari, I want to create that same opportunity for young Aboriginal girls — to see themselves as leaders, athletes, and changemakers.” — Lydia Williams 

“Lydia’s leadership and authenticity resonate deeply with our mission. Yilkari will not only create pathways for Aboriginal women and girls but will also strengthen communities through connection, inclusion and pride.” — Michael Kerr, Football Futures Foundation CEO 

About Football Futures Foundation 

Football Futures Foundation is a Western Australian charity leveraging the universal appeal of football (soccer) to drive social impact. The organisation uses football to open doors—creating confidence, connection and opportunity for people and communities who face barriers to participation. 

Media Contact 

Saskia Tjahja
People, Culture & Communications Manager
0433 830 325 | saskiat@footballfutures.org.au