Football West’s commitment to regional football development in Western Australia has hit a new high with the appointment of Tui Wineti in Kununurra.
Since 2018, the number of Football West Community Participation Officers across WA has expanded from one to seven.
In a WA football first, Tui has been appointed Community Participation Officer for the East Kimberley.
“There is so much natural potential and enthusiasm for sport in this region and I am excited about helping channel it,” Tui said.
“Already we have had a huge response. People here just love sport and we have a strong soccer following. We are here to build community engagement, which in turn will help with the growth of the game.
“I will be getting out to both regional and remote communities as part of Football West’s Aboriginal Community Soccer Program. Soccer offers an active lifestyle for all of the community, from the youngsters starting out to elders who want to share in the fun.
“We can’t overstate the health benefits of sport, both mental and physical.”
Tui began playing football as an eight year old and at one time was on the books of Perth Glory.
“I remember at school in Bunbury we had a visit from a couple of Perth Glory players and an Australian international goalkeeper. It gave me something to aim for. I now want to show the youngsters here there is a pathway for emerging talent,” she said.
“Looking down the line, it will be good to tap into the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will co-host. But before then Football West will be helping send a women’s team to the Australian Indigenous Football Championships in Brisbane in November and it would be great if we could get one or two players from the Kimberley in the team.”
Football West CEO James Curtis said this latest appointment would increase the organisation’s reach across the top end, with another Community Participation Officer, Kamil Chetty, already located in Broome.
“We are grateful for the support of the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Health which has allowed us to develop and grow the Aboriginal Community Soccer Program,” Mr Curtis said.
“The Kimberley is such an immense region and it is fantastic to have two officers on the ground who can deliver our programs and work with the communities.
“Tui is going to be a big asset for us. Her knowledge of football and enthusiasm is tremendous. The Kimberley is a place like no other and she will love it up there.
“And looking at the wider picture, this is a further commitment from Football West to our regions to provide more player, coach and referee opportunities across regional Western Australia.”
Football West now has Community Participation Officers in Kununurra, Broome, Geraldton, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Busselton and Albany.
Filed Under: Community News