Kimberley Spirit Ready to Showcase the Best of the North

The Kimberley Spirit will once again bring one of the most unique and inspiring stories to the 2026 CBH Colts Country Championships, with young footballers from across one of Australia’s largest and most remote regions.

Drawing players from the West, Central, East and the newly established South East Kimberley competition, the squad represents communities separated by hundreds — and in some cases thousands — of kilometres, all coming together under the Kimberley banner.

Led by Garnduwa’s Rick Kennedy, the Kimberley Spirit enters the Championships eager to showcase the region’s exciting brand of football while creating lifelong memories for a group of players embarking on a remarkable journey.

Kennedy said coaching the Kimberley Spirit was an opportunity he was incredibly proud to take on.

“I’ve been coaching the Central Kimberley Colts for the past two years and last year I was an assistant coach with the Kimberley 15s Development Team that travelled to Perth,” Kennedy said.

“I’m incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the Kimberley Spirit Colts this year. It’s a privilege to coach some of the best young footballers from across the Kimberley and help create opportunities for them both on and off the field.”

While the full squad is yet to train together, Kennedy said the excitement around the group is already building.

“What stands out most is the depth of talent from right across the Kimberley. We haven’t come together as a full group yet, but there’s plenty of excitement about bringing these young men together to represent the Kimberley.”

The coaching staff focused on selecting a well-rounded squad capable of playing an exciting brand of football.

“We wanted a balanced squad with a mix of inside and outside players, key position players, speed and versatility,” Kennedy said.

“Just as importantly, we looked for players with strong character who are willing to compete, learn and put the team first. Having players from across the Kimberley also brings different strengths and styles of football, which adds another exciting element to the group.”

Supporters can expect plenty of flair when the Kimberley Spirit takes the field.

“Kimberley players are naturally talented, quick and highly skilled. We want to play with speed, take the game on, apply strong tackling pressure and move the ball with purpose.”

“If we can combine those natural strengths with teamwork and discipline, we’ll be a side that’s exciting to watch.”

Although Kennedy believes every member of the squad is capable of producing memorable moments, he highlighted two players to watch.

“Kenyan Munda is an exciting player. He took what many people called the mark of the year at the Kimberley Colts Championships and this will be his first trip to Perth. He’s an athletic footballer who loves to jump.”

“Lennox Bamba is another. He’s tough, loves to break tackles, has a beautiful left foot and competes every time the ball is in his area. He’s the type of player who can lift the team with a big moment.”

Beyond football, Kennedy believes the squad’s journey is what makes the Kimberley Spirit so special.

“Many of these boys travel hundreds of kilometres just to attend carnivals, training camps and now the Country Championships.”

“For some players, this will be their first trip to Perth, making the experience about much more than football. It’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories, build friendships across the Kimberley and showcase the incredible talent that exists in remote communities.”

“We’re proud to represent not just one town, but the entire Kimberley region.”

Team Manager Casey Hanlon said the Championships were about much more than wins and losses.

“Travelling to Perth for Country Champs from across the Kimberley brings so much excitement for our players and support staff,” Hanlon said.

“This year’s team is a great display of the talent we have from right across the Kimberley. It’s more than just a game for our boys. Footy done Kimberley style.”

Hanlon said the entire region rallies behind the program.

“It takes a mighty effort to get our players to Broome, let alone Perth. This is a Kimberley-wide effort to help support and give these football opportunities to our young people.”

“Footy is everything for some of our young fellas. It’s community, connection, mental health support, positive wellbeing and much, much more. From across the Kimberley, together as one.”

Representing the Kimberley carries enormous pride for every player selected.

“They represent their home teams, clubs, leagues, families and communities — and most importantly themselves.”

Hanlon said the Country Championships remained one of the region’s most significant football opportunities.

“For some of our players, representing the Kimberley at Country Champs is the pinnacle. It gives them the chance to show how much talent we have up here while creating stronger connections and becoming a brotherhood that supports each other on and off the field.”

With all Kimberley leagues now operating in 2026, Hanlon believes football across the region is in a fantastic position.

“Kimberley football is stronger than ever. With all our Kimberley leagues back up and running, the region is buzzing and hungry for these opportunities.”

“We often say, ‘If they can see it, they can be it.’ Football in the Kimberley is thriving, providing positive connections and spaces for our communities.”

And if supporters are wondering what makes Kimberley football different, Hanlon has one simple answer.

“It’s the Kimberley style. Our players have a particular flair that makes them stand out.”

“Watch out for our Kimberley boys’ celebrations — they don’t hold back!”