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Matildas legend and proud Noongar woman Lydia Williams will travel to Broome with Football Futures Foundation in August 2026 as part of the next phase of Yilkari x Football Futures Foundation, a statewide initiative empowering Aboriginal women and girls through culturally safe football pathways.
The Broome visit will take place from Tuesday 11 August to Sunday 16 August 2026, with Lydia and the Football Futures Foundation team travelling from Perth to the Kimberley to connect with local communities, schools, young people and families.
The visit will include remote community football sessions, school visits, cultural engagement, and a community come-and-try event designed to create safe, welcoming and inspiring opportunities for Aboriginal girls and women to participate in football.
Key dates for the Broome visit include:
Tuesday 11 August
Lydia Williams arrives in Perth before travelling with Football Futures Foundation to Broome.
Wednesday 12 August
First remote community football session.
Thursday 13 August
Second remote community football session.
Friday 14 August
Morning school visits in Broome.
Saturday 15 August
Community come-and-try football event.
Sunday 16 August
Travel home.
Communities, schools and event locations are currently being confirmed, with further details to be announced closer to the visit.
The Broome visit forms part of the broader Yilkari x Football Futures Foundation initiative, a two-year program designed to empower Aboriginal women and girls across regional and remote Western Australia through football, leadership, cultural connection and community-led participation.
The word Yilkari, meaning “shine brightly” in Noongar language, reflects the spirit of the program — supporting Aboriginal women and girls to shine on and off the field, while creating pathways for leadership, coaching and long-term participation in sport.
Led in partnership with Lydia Williams, the Lydia Williams Foundation and Football Futures Foundation, Yilkari brings together football, storytelling, wellbeing and cultural pride to support the next generation of Aboriginal female leaders.
Over two years, the initiative aims to train Aboriginal women as accredited football coaches and establish girls’ teams across regional communities, including the Kimberley, Pilbara and Great Southern. These women will help lead culturally grounded football programs that build confidence, connection and community pride.
For Lydia Williams, the program is deeply personal. As one of Australia’s most celebrated footballers and a powerful advocate for First Nations representation in sport, Lydia is committed to ensuring Aboriginal girls can see themselves in football and feel supported to take up space as athletes, leaders and changemakers.
Football Futures Foundation, Western Australia’s leading inclusion partner of Football West, will support the on-the-ground delivery of Yilkari through safeguarding, coaching, community engagement and regional partnerships.
The Broome visit is an important step in building a sustainable, women-led football ecosystem for Aboriginal girls and women in the Kimberley, creating opportunities that extend beyond a single visit and contribute to long-term participation, leadership and wellbeing.
Yilkari x Football Futures Foundation is supported by key partners including FIFA, the Department of Health’s Play Our Way program, and Professional Footballers Australia.
A Statewide Country Week Festival in 2027 will bring together participating communities for cultural sharing, football and reflection on their journeys.
Quotes
“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.
“The Broome visit is an important opportunity to listen, connect and work alongside local communities to create football experiences that are culturally safe, community-led and built for long-term impact.” – Michael Kerr, Football Futures Foundation CEO
About Football Futures Foundation
Football Futures Foundation is a Western Australian charity leveraging the universal appeal of football to drive social impact. We use football to open doors — creating confidence, connection and opportunity for people and communities who face barriers to participation.
Learn more: www.bit.ly/impact-overview-fff
Local Broome Contact
Mike Doyle
Community Engagement & Development Coordinator (Kimberley)
Football Futures Foundation
0488 063 639 | miked@footballfutures.org.au
