The Kirby Bentley Cup is an annual round robin tournament coordinated by the West Australian Football Commission, targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls aged 13-15 years old. With the huge growth in female footy and the introduction of the AFL Women’s competition, the Kirby Bentley Cup provides young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls with the opportunity to put their skills on display, be linked to local female football clubs and be identified for the WAFLW talent pathway. 

Named in honour of Kirby Bentley, the inaugural Kirby Bentley Cup played in 2014, featured 10 teams and over 150 players. The overall goal of the Kirby Bentley Cup is to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and community members participating in clubs and development squads as either players, coaches, umpires, administrators, or volunteers.

The carnival provides members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with the opportunity to:

• Participate in a structured WA football marquee event.
• Achieve coaching and umpiring accreditation.
• Re-engage with educational and sport participation programs.
• Connect with AFLW/WAFLW mentors and role models.
• Potentially be identified for WAFLW development pathways.

Kirby Bentley is regarded as one of the greatest female football players to ever play the game, originally beginning her playing career for Swan Districts FC in the WA Women’s Football League, growing up in the Southwest of Western Australia. In 2017, Kirby Bentley represented the Fremantle Dockers in the inaugural AFL Women’s league as a priority selection during the first ever AFL National Women’s Draft. She later joined Carlton in 2018 as a free agent. 

More recently, Kirby began a role as Development coach for the Western Bulldogs AFLW program, before transitioning to Assistant coach for Essendon’s AFLW team. Kirby has since then established her own clothing and artwork brand, Gnalla. 

Event Details

Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Venue: UWA Sports Park – 10 McGillivray Road, Mount Claremont

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible to participate in this carnival, participants must:

• Be born in years 2009, 2010 or 2011 (strictly ages 13, 14 or 15). 
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Register through PlayHQ. 

REGISTRATIONS OPEN JULY 2024 | HERE
Kirby Bentley Cup FAQS
Who can participate in this carnival?

• Participants eligible for the Kirby Bentley Cup are females who are born in years 2009, 2010 or 2011 (strictly ages 13, 14 or 15), and identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

How do I register for the carnival?

• You can register to participate in the carnival by simply clicking on the link provided and following the prompts on the PlayHQ registration form. 
• Registrations open in July. The link the register will also be provided in July when registrations open. 

How will I know if I am selected to play in the carnival?

• Everyone who meets the participation criteria and completes the online registration will be given the opportunity to play in all games throughout the carnival. 

How will I receive more information about the carnival?

• Once registered, you will receive information and details on your participation in the carnival a few weeks out from the carnival date from your district Participation Officer. This will include information around what to bring, what to wear, game times and other important event information.  

Is there a carnival for boys?

• Yes – the Nicky Winmar Carnival! To find out more information about the Nicky Winmar Carnival, please click here. 

Contact Us
All requests & enquiries go to diversity@wafc.com.au.