Kimberley Yilkari Program brings football to regional communities

Football Futures Foundation News

The Yilkari Program has wrapped up a successful four days in the Kimberley, with former Matilda and proud Noongar woman Lydia Williams joining forces with the Football Futures Foundation and Football West to deliver football clinics and community activities across Broome and surrounding remote communities.

The program kicked off in Bidyadanga, 184km from Broome, where Williams visited La Grange Remote Community School to help deliver three football clinics for local children. It was an eye-opening experience for the students, who had the opportunity to get involved in the game and kick a ball around with a former Matilda.

Then travelling to Ardyaloon, 220km from Broome, where we were welcomed with a traditional dance and enjoyed a day of football, food and cultural experiences. First Nations girls’ clinics were held in the morning before mixed football clinics took place later in the day, with students from One Arm Point Remote Community School and Sacred Heart School taking part.

Back in Broome, First Nations girls’ clinics were held on the basketball courts at St Mary’s College for secondary students before moving outdoors for sessions with more than 60 primary school students from St Mary’s and Cable Beach Primary School.

The sessions provided an opportunity for young participants to learn more about football, the Matildas and Indigenous culture, with Williams sharing her experiences throughout the program.

The four-day program wrapped up with a Community Football Day at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre (BRAC), featuring football clinics, mini-games and a meet and greet with Williams. The event brought the local community together, with plenty of young girls getting involved in football.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Yilkari Program, as well as Centurion Transport, the Mercer Family and IGA Broome for their ongoing support in helping make the program possible.

BACKGROUND

Lydia Williams

Lydia is one of Australia’s most celebrated soccer players, having represented the Matildas for over two decades, including at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games.

Since retiring from international football in 2024, she has turned her passion towards creating meaningful pathways for the next generation of First Nations women and girls.

Yilkari

Yilkari is a coach development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 15-30. It is delivered by Football Futures Foundation in conjunction with Lydia Williams.

Yilkari trains First Nations women to become accredited coaches and community leaders, giving them skills, confidence and support to lead football programs in their own communities.

Football Futures Foundation

The Foundation was launched in 2022 as Football West’s official charity. It is a not-for-profit that uses football as a vehicle for social change.

The Foundation delivers inclusive programs for children and young people with diverse abilities, supports multicultural communities and creates pathways for First Nations communities in regional and remote Western Australia.