Schools
WA Football in Schools
Sport plays a vital role in schools, helping students stay active, build confidence, and develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Beyond the physical benefits, school sport fosters friendships, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging that supports student both in and out of the classroom.
At WA Football, we believe Aussie Rules Football is more than just a game, it’s a powerful tool for learning, connection, and growth. Through our school initiatives, we’re helping young people experience the joy of footy while building healthy habits, positive values, and a lifelong love of being active.
School Programs
Our school programs allow students to learn new skills, stay active, and develop teamwork through fun and engaging curriculum-based activities. Teachers are provided with educational and promotional resources to assist in their implementation.
Designed for all abilities, the programs focus on building confidence, promoting sportsmanship, and encouraging a lifelong love of the game.
School Programs are supported by the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles.
The school programs on offer:
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Eagles Freestyle Footy (Year 4-6 Boys and Girls)
This non-contact program empowers young learners to modify game rules, set goals, and lead activities
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Freo Footy Skills (Year 4-6 Boys and Girls)
Includes Freo Fast Ball a team handballing competition, Freo Kwik Kick and Freo Long Bomb
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Freo House Footy (Year 7-12)
Intra school modified game, non-contact (AFL Nines) that can be played as a male, female or mixed competition during any school term or incorporated as part of your AFL physical education program
Primary School Competitions
The Eagles Cup is an inter-school football competition for Year 5 & 6 students, held throughout Terms 2 and 3.
The Freo Dockers Cup is an inter-school football competition for female students in Years 5 & 6. The program can be delivered as a one-day lightning carnival or in a round-robin format.
The Freo Dockers Shield, delivered by WA Football, is a winter sports carnival for Year 5 & 6 boys, structured similarly to swimming or athletics carnivals.
High School Competitions
The Eagles Schoolboys Cup is an inter school competition for boys in Years 8 & 9.
The Eagles Senior Schoolboys Cup offers a high quality inter school competition for Year 11 & 12 students attending country and metropolitan schools throughout WA.
The Freo Dockers Cup is a one day lightning carnival delivered by WA Football for girls in Year 7-9.
The Freo Dockers Cup is an after-school competition for Year 10-12 students, held during Term 2, overseen by WA Football and officiated by qualified umpires.
The Freo Dockers Schoolgirls Cup is an after-school inter-school program, giving Year 7–9 students the chance to play and compete, run by WA Football.
Sporting Schools
Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative that helps schools increase children’s participation in sports and connect them with community sporting opportunities.
Sporting Schools offers grant opportunities for primary schools and targeted grant opportunities for Year 7 and 8 programs in secondary schools. These grants support the school in engaging WA Football to deliver AFL programs through qualified coaches, before, during, or after school. Funding can also be used to purchase equipment.
Program Benefits
Learn core AFL skills like kicking, handballing, marking, and game
Encourage fitness and a healthy lifestyle through active participation.
Programs cater to all skill levels and abilities.
Build communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Coach-delivered sessions align with the Australian Curriculum.
Safe, professional delivery with all necessary equipment provided
Programs cater to different levels, allowing students to improve at their own pace.
Program Options
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Coach-Delivered Programs:
Tailored to student experience and linked to the curriculum
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Teacher-Delivered Packages:
Ideal for schools wanting a lower-cost option, includes equipment packs and access to AFL coaching resources. Perfect for remote schools
Funding is available to metro, regional and remote schools with 2026 applications open:
Term 2: 16 Feb 2026 – 6 Mar 2026
Specialist Schools Programs
WA Football offers endorsement opportunities for metropolitan and regional schools delivering specialist AFL programs, combining on-field and classroom-based lessons.
Endorsed schools can use WA Football and WAFL District logos to promote their program and may have the opportunity to engage with AFL/W and WAFL/W players. WA Football also promotes endorsed programs through industry partnerships.
Endorsement Requirements
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Delivering AFL classes for boys and girls
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Coaches hold or work towards Level 2 AFL accreditation
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Staff registered as AFL School Members
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Participation in WA Football interschool competitions
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Student coaching and umpiring opportunities
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Clinics/classes for local primary schools
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Strong links with local football clubs
Programs are reviewed twice yearly with the schools AFL Program Coordinator.
Acknowledgement of Country
WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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