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Football Futures Foundation is proud to announce its return to the Genuine Cup in 2026, with the international tournament set to take place from 27 July – 2 August in Houston, Texas, USA.
The announcement marks another significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual disability and autism through football.
“Programs and opportunities like this change lives. They create confidence, independence, friendships and a sense of identity and belonging for our players. International representation sends a powerful message that people with intellectual disability deserve to be seen, valued and celebrated on the world stage,” — Michael Kerr, Football Futures Foundation CEO
The Genuine Cup brings together teams and foundations from across the globe in a celebration of inclusion, belonging and the power of sport. More than just a football tournament, the event provides players with intellectual disability and autism the opportunity to proudly represent their communities on an international stage while connecting with athletes, coaches and organisations from around the world.
For many participants, opportunities like this simply do not exist in traditional sporting pathways. International representation is about far more than competition. It is about visibility, recognition, confidence and showing players, families and communities that people with intellectual disability belong in elite sporting environments and deserve the same opportunities to dream big, travel, compete and be celebrated.
“Football West acknowledges the incredible work Football Futures Foundation continues to do in creating meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual disability through football. The Genuine World Cup is a fantastic example of the positive impact inclusive football programs can have both on and off the pitch, and it is wonderful to see participants from Western Australia once again receiving the opportunity to represent their community and country on an international stage,” — Jamie Harnwell, Football West CEO
Football Futures Foundation believes the impact of the Genuine Cup extends far beyond the pitch.
The Foundation is also pleased to announce the 2026 Genuine Cup leadership team travelling to Houston:
- Lead Coaches – BaxterHutchinson and Sav Minutillo
- Medical Officer/Physio – Graeme Wallace
- Team Manager – Sue Minutillo
- Media & Assistant Manager – Saskia Tjahja
The selected leadership team reflects the Foundation’s strong commitment to inclusion, lived experience leadership and participant-centred support.
Football Futures Foundation would also like to acknowledge the incredible contribution of volunteers Kym James, Caron Harrison and Adam Fennell, who played a significant role in the growth and success of the WAID program and were part of the coaching team at the 2025 Genuine Cup. The Foundation sincerely thanks them for their passion, commitment and support of our players and community.
Player selections for the 2026 Genuine Cup squad will commence in the coming weeks, with players from the WAID program set to be considered for the international tour. The Foundation is also working towards expanding representation within the squad by inviting players from other states, as well as remote and regional Western Australia, helping to create a more diverse and nationally representative group of participants.
Football Futures Foundation would also like to acknowledge the incredible support of families, partners, sponsors and the wider community who continue to make opportunities like this possible.
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
