Football West will welcome players, academy coaches and families from across regional WA to the Sam Kerr Football Centre next month for the inaugural State Regional Carnival.
This three-day event marks an exciting new chapter in Football West’s approach to regional player development and talent identification. The carnival replaces the traditional Country Camp model and provides players with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a competitive match environment, allowing coaches to assess players in real-game situations rather than solely through training activities.
The State Regional Carnival brings together participants from Football West’s Regional Academies based in the South West, Goldfields, Great Southern, Mid West/Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions. It is an important component of Football West’s year-round talent identification process and reflects its commitment to creating clear and meaningful pathways for talented players throughout regional WA.
In 2026, players involved in the Regional Academy program have participated in weekly development sessions focused on technical excellence, tactical understanding, game awareness and personal growth.
The carnival provides the opportunity to put those learnings into practice against quality opposition from other regions.
Football West General Manager – Football David Lewis said: “From a Football West perspective, one of the most exciting aspects of the carnival is the opportunity to bring together talented young players from across our vast state in a single environment. It allows our development staff and coaches to observe players in meaningful match situations while providing participants with a memorable football experience.
“The event is about more than talent identification. It is also about supporting the development journey of players, coaches and families. Our Football West Development Team will be on hand throughout the carnival, delivering education sessions and providing valuable insights into player development and progression opportunities.
“Regional football continues to play a critical role in the growth of our game, and we are committed to ensuring young players have access to quality development opportunities regardless of where they live. The introduction of the State Regional Carnival strengthens that commitment and provides a clear connection between regional football, state pathways and future representative opportunities.
“I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of our regional coaches, clubs, volunteers and families who continue to support the development of young footballers across Western Australia.”
The State Regional Carnival will run from 8-10 July.
