There are football days, and then there are days that remind you exactly why we play.

The 2026 Hand in Hand Clubs Gala Day was one of those days.

Across the fields, Starkick players from clubs across Perth and the South West came together to play football and experience everything that makes our game so special - friendship, belonging, inclusion, community and the pure joy of being part of a team.

Importantly, for the players it was an opportunity to pull on their club colours and represent their club.

There is something incredibly powerful about watching a young person run onto the field wearing the jumper of the club they belong to. It says: This is my team. These are my people. I belong here.

That sense of belonging was everywhere throughout the Gala Day.

The day was made even more special through the support of the Purple Hands Foundation, who partnered with us again for the 2026 Hand in Hand Clubs Gala Day.

Purple Hands helped officially open the event alongside one of our Starkick players, before later presenting trophies to each of the participating clubs. They supplied branded equipment for use during the Gala Day and their staff assisted with the running of the event too, helping us create a fun and welcoming environment for our players and families.

We were incredibly grateful to have Purple Hands alongside us for this event and for their support in helping us celebrate our Starkick players and clubs.

Quinns District Bulls showing off thier club colours with Johnny Docker

This year though, the celebration didn't stop when the Starkick Gala finished.

For the first time, Youth Integrated games followed directly after the Gala Day, creating an incredible opportunity to showcase the next step in the All Abilities Football journey.

Players who had spent the morning playing Starkick with their friends then came together to take the field in a Youth Integrated game - playing alongside and against other young people in a more traditional football environment.

For many, it was a significant moment.

They were no longer simply watching the next level of football. They were part of it.

Youth Integrated League - Ellenbrook Dockers v Quinns Bulls

The day really was a beautiful reminder that Starkick isn’t just about creating one opportunity. It’s about creating opportunities and pathways - pathways where a child can start playing football in an environment that works for them, build friendships and confidence, and then continue to grow and challenge themselves in whatever way they choose.

For some, that might mean continuing with Starkick. For others, it might mean Youth Integrated League. For others still, it might simply mean continuing to turn up each week, put on their club colours and enjoy being part of a team.

Whatever their pathway looks like, they belong.

The 2026 Hand in Hand Clubs Gala Day was a celebration of how far Starkick has come, the friendships that have been created, the clubs that continue to open their doors, and the young people who remind us every week that football really is for everyone.

Seeing so many of our Starkick players take the field again for Youth Integrated afterwards was the perfect way to finish a very special day.

South Bunbury and Coolbinia Bombers Starkick players celebrate post game.