Broome miniroos soccer attracts biggest group of kids in WA

The world’s game continues to gain a massive foothold in Broome with the Broome Soccer Association’s Miniroos program attracting the biggest group of kids in the State.

The association has gone from strength to strength in recent years, growing from a small group of kids to more than 270 in 2025.

The Miniroos program uses short, game-based sessions to introduce soccer to children of all abilities aged four to 11.

Broome Soccer Association’s Tania Mesch said the program had been a huge success.

“We conducted our MiniRoos program throughout Term 3,” she said.

“It was a resounding success giving kids from Kindy through to Year 6 the opportunity to be introduced to soccer and learn some skills.

“The program was so successful because of the amazing support we received from parents stepping into coaching roles and creating these opportunities for kids to be introduced to one of the most popular games in the world.”

Football Futures Foundation Kimberley community engagement and development coordinator Mike Doyle said it was great to see the kids enjoying themselves and so many new coaches helping out.

“The Broome Soccer Association committee and volunteer coaches have done an amazing job managing the high volume of numbers,” he said.

In addition to Miniroos, the association also sent an under-11 and under-13 team to the country week competition this year with some players also helping to fill in for the Carnarvon, Port Hedland and Karratha under-15 and under-17 teams.

“It was an amazing experience for the players getting to compete amongst some of the very best teams in the State,” Mesch said.

“They performed exceptionally well and showed a determination and resilience well beyond their years in such a competitive environment.

“The coaches from all teams were incredibly impressed, not just with the tenacity and skill they showed on the field but the sportsmanship they displayed throughout the week.”

The under-11 team made it all the way to the final before succumbing to Leeuwin Naturaliste Junior Soccer Association, 1-0, while the under-13 team drew twice in their division.

Two Broome girls — Layla Barrass-Smith and Tullula O’Shannessy — also joined with the WA Under-16 team to compete in the 2025 Malaysia Borneo Football Cup this season with the team finishing in fourth place.

“It’s been a fantastic year of growth and opportunity for Broome soccer, that continues on this term before everyone takes a well earned break before 2026,” Mesch said.

Football West Program Development Lead Dean Evans congratulated the association on their successful season.

“Congratulations to the Broome Soccer Association on their incredible figures,” he said.

“It is great to see more and more youngsters getting involved in football.

“Football West is excited for the future of the game in the Kimberley.”