News

Over the course of two days, two SEDA College WA students travelled to Newman to support the West Coast Eagles at their annual Warlawuuru Cup — a key event within the College’s AFL sports program and community engagement initiatives.

Selected from the West Coast Eagles Year 12 class, Isabella Drayton and Khesan Starr-Garlett have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their studies and the AFL program. Despite joining SEDA College WA in Year 12, both students quickly embraced the hands-on learning approach, making them ideal representatives for this unique opportunity.

With early starts and long days, the students fully immersed themselves in the experience, assisting wherever needed. From event setup and coordination to supporting game-day operations and even umpiring matches, they gained valuable real-world experience aligned with the SEDA College WA AFL sports program.

A Longstanding Partnership with the West Coast Eagles

SEDA College WA has been involved with the Warlawuuru Cup since its inception, working closely with the West Coast Eagles to support the delivery of this important AFL event in the Pilbara region. The partnership provides students with direct access to the elite sporting environment, while also contributing to grassroots football development.

The Warlawuuru Cup — formerly known as the East Pilbara Cup — is an annual youth AFL carnival held in Newman, showcasing emerging talent from across the Pilbara, including communities such as Newman, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and the Western Desert. The event was renamed “Warlawuuru”, meaning “Eagle” in the Martu language, reflecting its strong First Nations heritage and its connection to the West Coast Eagles.

Building Community Connections Through AFL

Beyond the on-field action, the Warlawuuru Cup is a powerful platform for community engagement. Throughout the trip, SEDA students connected with children and families from a wide range of backgrounds, gaining insight into life in regional and remote Western Australia.

Through their involvement in the AFL sports program and events like the Warlawuuru Cup, SEDA College WA students develop not only practical skills in sport and event management, but also a deeper understanding of community, culture and the role sport plays in bringing people together.

The experience reinforces the College’s commitment to community support, providing meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to regional events while building confidence, leadership and communication skills.

Real-World Learning Through the AFL Sports Program

Opportunities like the Warlawuuru Cup highlight the strength of the SEDA College WA AFL sports program, which is designed to give students practical, hands-on experience within the sports industry. Working alongside organisations such as the West Coast Eagles allows students to apply their learning in real environments, bridging the gap between classroom education and future career pathways.

From event delivery and teamwork to communication and leadership, the skills developed during the Warlawuuru Cup are invaluable for students pursuing careers in sport, community development or event management.

Being part of such a significant AFL event alongside the West Coast Eagles is an experience SEDA College WA is proud to continue each year. The Warlawuuru Cup not only showcases young football talent across the Pilbara, but also strengthens community ties and creates lasting opportunities for students involved in the AFL sports program.

SEDA College WA looks forward to continuing its support of the Warlawuuru Cup and its partnership with the West Coast Eagles, helping deliver meaningful experiences for both students and regional communities.