The inaugural Woodside Energy Community 9s delivered more than just a carnival of football in Karratha, it created opportunity, inspired the next generation of young female footballers, and strengthened the connection between community and the game in the Pilbara.

Held at Baynton West Oval on Wednesday 22 April, the event was followed by local school visits across the region by Fremantle AFLW players Indi Strom, Madi Scanlon and Holly Egan.

The carnival brought together young athletes, schools and families, with a strong focus on growing girls’ participation in football.

Across the region, interest in female participation of AFL at the junior level continues to build, with more girls finding their place in the sport.

West Pilbara Junior Football Association Youth Girls Coordinator Daneele Ryan, said the growth of girls’ football in Karratha has been both encouraging and deeply personal.

“Last year was the first year we trialled girls-only football, and the interest across multiple age groups was really encouraging,” Ryan said.

“For a lot of girls, it’s about having a space where they feel comfortable playing with their friends.

“We’re still growing, but the numbers in the older age groups are really strong, and we’re hoping that continues.”

For Ryan, the program represents something she never had growing up.

“Football wasn’t really an option for girls when I was younger. To now be able to create a program for girls who just love the game, that’s really important,” she said.

The introduction of the Woodside Energy 9s forms part of a broader commitment to supporting grassroots football in the Pilbara , helping create accessible entry points for young players.

Karratha Gas Plant Leadership Coach, Aaron Bruce, said the introduction of the event is part of Woodside’s investment in the communities it calls home.

“We know that in regional centres where we operate, communities don’t get the same experiences as metro regions, but that just makes it so much more special when teams like Fremantle come and spend time with us.

“You can see around today, it’s just amazing.

“The best thing about having the Fremantle AFLW players here is that our kids see them on TV, but when they’re here kicking the football with them, they can really connect with their role models.

“That makes a genuine impact on our girls, that’s so exciting for us and for all the girls in the Pilbara.”

Woodside Energy’s contributions  continue to play a key role in supporting initiatives like this, aim to helpi reduce barriers to participation and grow the game at a grassroots level.

The result is more than just increased numbers, it’s confidence, development and a stronger sense of belonging.

AFLW defender Strom, who was in attendance on the day, echoed the impact the event was having on young girls in the community.

“It’s so cool. I was talking to a few of the girls, and some of them have never even played footy before. So it’s great that we can do something like this and get heaps of people involved in trying the sport,” Strom said.

“There’s so much opportunity here in the region for women’s sport to grow.

“I would love to see how far we can take it.”

As a first-year carnival, the Woodside Energy Community 9s has laid a strong foundation for future growth.

With plans to expand, bring in more schools and continue building participation, the focus remains on creating lasting opportunities for girls across the Pilbara.