Nicky Winmar Carnival for future AFL stars

• Carnival brings together the next generation of Aboriginal footballers
• Young players get a chance to show off their talent

Talented Aboriginal footy players will have their skills on show this Sunday at the 2016 Nicky Winmar Carnival.

Held at Mandurah's Bendigo Bank Stadium, the event features teams of 15 and under playing in a round-robin style.  This year, 14 teams are expected to play more than 40 games with a female exhibition match before the afternoon's grand final.  All teams are coached by Aboriginal coaches.

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the carnival was another exciting opportunity for the next generation of Aboriginal AFL athletes to play a strong and potentially influential role in the game.

"This annual carnival is a chance for young players to develop their skills and grab the attention of our West Australian Football League (WAFL) clubs," Ms Davies said.

"This event provides a real opportunity for young footy players to have their talent recognised and perhaps find a pathway to higher competition."

The Minister said that after last year's carnival, many of the boys were asked to try out for district squads and a good number had transitioned into community football.

The Nicky Winmar Carnival also allows players to represent the State through selection into the AFL's National KickStart Championship.  The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) also recognises the carnival as a legitimate talent pathway.

Nicky Winmar is regarded as one of the best footballers to have emerged from WA.  He played more than 250 games during his AFL career and was named in the St Kilda team of the century.  He is a two-time All-Australian and won the Trevor Barker Award - St Kilda's best and fairest award - in 1989 and 1995.

Fact File

• Co-ordinated by the WAFC and sponsored by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the carnival provides an opportunity for talented young players to be identified by WAFL clubs and given the opportunity to develop their skills
• The inaugural Nicky Winmar cup was held in 2007 and consisted of five teams
• Regional players from all over WA are placed into teams based on geographic WAFL zones

Minister's office - 6552 5500