WA Para Football State Team Makes History with National Championship Win
MEDIA RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
Football Futures Foundation is incredibly proud to celebrate a historic moment for Western Australia, with the WA Para Football State Team crowned National Para Football Champions for the first time since 2009.
This win is more than a trophy — it represents years of belief, hard work, and commitment to making football inclusive for people with disability.
Football Futures Foundation has proudly supported the WA Para Football program since 2023, taking the team under its wing to provide advocacy, leadership and program support. That same year, the Foundation played a key role in bringing the National Para Football Championships to Perth for the first time ever, shining a national spotlight on para football in Western Australia.
Since then, the Foundation has continued to invest in the growth of the program, with the support of partners including KingKira Group and WARU, ensuring players have access to quality coaching, structured development pathways and high-performance opportunities.
A major milestone was the appointment of former Socceroo and Perth Glory player David Williams as Head Coach, helping strengthen the team’s culture, confidence and on-field performance.
Like many inclusive and disability programs, funding to attend the 2025 National Para Football Championships was a challenge. At a critical moment, Purple Heather stepped in as a sponsor, making it possible for the team to travel, compete — and ultimately make history.
Football Futures Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Paul Daily, Ash Daily and the entire Purple Heather team for their belief in the program. Their support goes far beyond competition — it reflects a genuine commitment to inclusion, opportunity and community impact.
Para football is about more than sport. It builds:
Confidence and wellbeing
Belonging and pride
Leadership and role models
Visibility and opportunity for people with disability
This championship shows what can happen when athletes are supported with the right environment, pathways and belief.
Football Futures Foundation remains committed to growing para football in Western Australia — but continued sponsorship and community support are essential to keep this pathway strong and accessible.
This win proves what’s possible. With ongoing support, it doesn’t have to be the last.
Michael Kerr, CEO – Football Futures Foundation
“Our athletes have always had the talent. What they needed was opportunity. With the right support, they’ve now made history for Western Australia, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
David Williams, Head Coach – WA Para Football State Team
“This group has shown incredible resilience and belief. They deserve this moment, and I’m grateful to the Foundation and our supporters for making this journey possible.”
Para Football is a modified version of football for players with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, symptoms of stroke and similar neuromuscular conditions. It provides meaningful pathways from grassroots participation through to national and international representation, including opportunities with the CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas.
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Media Contact
Saskia Tjahja
Marketing & Communications Manager
saskiat@footballfutures.org.au | 0433 830 325