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Football Futures Foundation News

Matildas great Lydia Williams is heading to the Kimberley to run a series of soccer programs.

And the 104-cap international goalkeeper is inviting First Nations girls and women to sign up and coach alongside her.

Williams will visit Broome and nearby communities between 4-7 November. The trip is part of Football Futures Foundation’s Yilkari initiative, a coach development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and women aged 15-30.

The aim of Yilkari is to bring inclusive, culturally safe football pathways to empower First Nations women and girls.

WA-born Williams is a proud Noongar woman and a driving force behind Yilkari.

“Coming to Broome is something I have been looking forward to for a long time,” the former FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic Games representative said.

“I want First Nations girls and women in the Kimberley to know that football has a place for them, not just as players but as leaders and coaches. That’s what Yilkari is all about.”

SCHEDULE

  • Wednesday 4 November: Three soccer clinics at La Grange Remote Community School
  • Thursday 5 November: Two soccer clinics at One Arm Point Remote Community School
  • Friday 6 November: School visits at St Mary’s College and Cable Beach Primary School
  • Saturday 7 November: Come-and-try day at BRAC Philip Matsumoto Sports Courts. Includes:
    • 8.30- First Nations girls session
    • 9.30am – Girls meet and greet
    • 10am – Girls community session
    • 10.30am – Open community session
    • 11am – Extra time. Community meet and greet

To register for the Yilkari program click HERE.

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.