Fremantle will embark on its inaugural Kimberley 9’s event this week, a joint initiative by the Purple Hands Foundation and WA Police, held on Cable Beach in Broome.

The landmark event will see over 300 primary and secondary students travel from across the region to take part in a unique take on AFL 9’s rules in a round robin carnival on Cable Beach.

Held over two exciting days, the free event is a first of its kind and will help form part of a greater initiative to increase school attendance, reduce youth crime and build positive relationships between students and local police.

The Purple Hands Foundation, along with support from stakeholders, have provided accommodation and meals for those traveling from the regions to ensure that the barriers to participation in the event are minimised. 

Fremantle midfielder and Broome local Bailey Banfield will be on hand to offer his expertise to students from 12 different schools ranging from places like Broome, Fitzroy, Roebuck and Looma.

Joining Banfield for the event will be Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy coach Roger Hayden, Head of Community Engagement Simon Eastaugh and key stakeholders among the WA Police force.

In the lead up to the Kimberley 9’s event, all schools have implemented received a four-week football training program that was developed by the Fremantle Football Club to support teachers and local police in the delivery of training sessions. 

As part of the initiative, WA Police recruits  that pass through the WA Police Academy  over the next two years will be upskilled and receive their AFL Foundation Level Coach Accreditation, as well as existing officers currently in the field, building community football coaching support across the State.

Every student that participates in the event will receive an event singlet and a football, along with the unique experience of playing on Cable Beach alongside peers from regional WA.

At the conclusion of each day’s carnivals, attendees will be treated to a BBQ lunch hosted by Tyrepower in their support of the Purple Hands Foundation and their ongoing support as the Club’s Next Generation Academy Partner.

Tim Sullivan of Sullivan Logistics will also be generously trucking up all equipment from Perth to Broome for the Kimberley 9’s event, and providing a number of footballs for giveaways.

The Kimberley 9’s program is a joint initiative between the Purple Hands Foundation and WA Police, with support from the Fremantle Dockers, West Australian Football Commission and Garnduwa.