Mid-West football fans are in for a treat, with WAFL and WAFLW teams holding their April 30 fixtures at the Northampton Football Club.
The event is being supported by the McGowan Government, through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Regional Strategic Initiative funding program.
The event aims to provide the Northampton community with continued support in their recovery from Tropical Cyclone Seroja and to help inspire the next generation of athletes in the Mid-West region.
In addition to the feature WAFL and WAFLW matches, the Great Northern Football League will be playing a curtain raiser match as part of the event.
Community activations, including school clinics, Auskick sessions, talent development training, and coaching and officials’ workshops will take place in the lead-up to the event, which will all benefit the wider Mid-West community.
The WAFL and WAFLW Fixture Northampton 2022 is being organised by the WAFC and AFL RAMS Northampton, a group of AFL players originating from the region who are also financially contributing to the project.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“The WAFL and WAFLW Fixture Northampton 2022 is an exciting event that will help to showcase elite football to the Mid-West community and assist the region in rebuilding following the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
“There must be something in the water in Northampton, which has produced nine AFL stars from a population of around 1,000, including Josh Kennedy and Paul Hasleby.
“Through supporting events such as this, the McGowan Government is investing in the health and wellbeing of our regional community.
“As an area with a proud history in producing WAFL and AFL players, the matches also provide an opportunity to showcase the talent development pathway for aspiring male and female athletes in the region.
“The event will also provide development opportunities for future coaches and officials in Northampton and the immediate surrounding towns in the Mid-West.”
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr:
“This will be a great boost for community sport and entertainment for residents of Northampton and the surrounding regions.
“Football brings Northampton together, and I hope our announcement reminds the community of our strengths as we continue to recover from Cyclone Seroja.”