AAMI AFL Origin Delivers $1M Boost for WA Community Football

The WA football community will receive a massive boost from the AFL’s Origin Community Fund – strengthening talent pathways and coaching opportunities in the regions and low socio-economic areas in line with WA Football’s ‘equity and access’ vision.

More than $1 million will be invested from the AFL and WA Government for WA Football’s delivery grassroots and regional development programs.

The proceeds from Saturday night’s sold-out AAMI State of Origin blockbuster between WA and Victoria will form a multi-year investment into regional and rural programs to increase equity and access, providing talent pathways and coaching opportunities as well as the implementation of school-based and participation programs.

In line with the WA Football Strategy 2026-2028 and our ‘Game for all Western Australians’ mantra, there will be a major focus on equity and access and ensuring kids in regional areas get similar opportunities to those living in metropolitan Perth.

There will be highly-skilled coaches placed into the regions, forming regional talent programs that will provide a higher level of training and coaching and enable kids to remain in their regions for longer, rather than having to relocate to the city and away from their families.

More match opportunities will be provided for First Nations and Multicultural players and WA’s Talent squads including practice matches against WAFL teams and representative sides.

An increase in support for WA Football’s participation team to be able to target school programs in targeted areas is another major benefit from the funding.

WA Football’s Executive Manager Performance Pathways & Development, Peter Bell, said the funding would go a long way to increasing equity and access for young footballers around Western Australia.

“We’re extremely grateful for the State Government’s and AFL’s support as part of the Origin Community Fund as we strive to make our game more accessible for all Western Australians,” Bell said.

“The funding will go a long way to increasing equity and access for those in regional and low socio-economic areas in WA, as well as those from First Nations and Multicultural backgrounds.

“We’re looking forward to providing a higher level of coaching and training in the regions, and creating regional talent programs so young footballers in those areas can get access to similar opportunities to those living in the city.”

AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon said the return of AAMI AFL Origin demonstrates the deep connection West Australians have to the game, and the importance of reinvesting in its future.

“AAMI AFL Origin has highlighted the extraordinary passion West Australians have for football and for representing their state,” Dillon said.

“Importantly, the return of Origin is not just about celebrating the elite game, it’s about creating a legacy for the next generation of talent.

“Through the Origin Community Fund, we’re ensuring the success of this match flows directly back into grassroots and regional football, strengthening talent pathways and creating greater access and opportunity across the state.

“This investment will help more young people in regional and rural Western Australia see a clear pathway to the elite level, while supporting the coaches, schools and local clubs that are so critical to securing the future of our game.”

“The WA Government is ensuring the 2026 AFL Origin delivers lasting benefits for community football, with proceeds being reinvested back into the game here in Western Australia,” WA Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Rita Saffioti MLA added.

“Western Australia has a strong football tradition, including in regional areas, and reinvesting proceeds back into WA football helps support opportunities regardless of where players live.”

The 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match will be broadcast on Seven Network and Foxtel, as well as 7plus and Kayo streaming platforms, from 4.40pm on Saturday evening.