WA Football Juniors 2026 Season Conference

More than 2,000 club volunteers gathered at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday for the WA Football Juniors 2026 Season Conference, the largest volunteer event of its kind hosted by WA Football.

The conference, supported by Metro Central, Metro North and Metro South Regional Development Councils, brought together representatives from across WA Football Juniors’ network of more than 103 clubs and over 40,000 participants across the North, South and Central regions.

The event provided clubs with essential season launch information, practical education, and a shared focus on strengthening the junior football experience ahead of Round 1.

WA Football Juniors Manager Corey Ranger said the scale and spirit of the event reflects the strength of community football across Western Australia.

“Seeing over 2,000 volunteers in one room, all there for the same reason, to support kids and community football is something really special,” Ranger said.

“This game doesn’t happen without them.

“The energy in the room sets the tone for what we know will be another huge season.”

A key feature of the conference was the delivery of five WA Football Juniors educational videos, designed to support clubs in game day preparation, coaches’ box expectations, spectator and umpire behaviour, and conflict management.

These resources are now available for clubs to share ahead of the season.

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Attendees also heard from WA Football Executive Manager Pathways and Development Peter Bell, who provided insights into the talent pathway and practical coaching guidance to support player development at community level.

The Regional Development Councils played an important role in opening the event, with Nicole Rodgers, Chair of Metro North RDC, formally welcoming attendees on behalf of the three RDCs.

Metro South RDC was also acknowledged for its contribution towards match day vests for Metro South clubs, helping ensure greater alignment and consistency across all competitions.

“Having consistent standards across clubs is a big part of where we’re heading as a game,” Ranger said.

“The support from Metro South RDC on match day vests is a great example of investment that makes a real difference at club level and helps create a unified experience for players, volunteers and officials.”

Umpiring was another key focus area, with WA Football Head of Umpiring, Dean Horsington providing an update from the umpiring department, reinforcing the importance of respect, recruitment and retention of umpires across all levels of the game.

A standout moment of the day was the ‘Sophie’s World’ presentation and live Q&A, which followed the journey of young footballer and emerging volunteer Sophie De Masi.

Her story resonated strongly with attendees, highlighting the impact junior football can have on young people both on and off the field.

The event was expertly hosted by Michelle Sewell, who guided the program with professionalism and energy, helping maintain momentum across a full day of presentations and engagement.

Ranger said the conference was ultimately about connection, preparation and appreciation.

“Junior football in WA is incredibly strong, but it only works because of the people behind the scenes — coaches, team managers, coordinators, umpires and parents,” he said.

“This event is about equipping them but also recognising them.

“We’re grateful for every single volunteer who gives their time.”

WA Football Juniors extends its sincere thanks to all clubs who attended and contributed to the success of the conference, and wishes every club, player, volunteer and umpire the very best for the season ahead.