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“I’m a naturally shy girl, so playing sport makes me feel more involved in the community and allows me to hang out with my friends. It really helps with my stress and makes me smile,” said Aaliyah.

Aaliyah’s mum Monday says her daughter was quiet and unassuming: “but sport brought the fun side out of Aaliyah. Her attitude was more positive, and her mind was a lot clearer.”

“KidSport helped my children to play community sport without the added strain on my day-to-day living costs,” said Monday.

“I could compete in local Narrogin competitions, playing the sports I love with my friends,” said Aaliyah. “I then started playing footy in 2019 through a school carnival the Stephen Michael Foundation ran in Narrogin.”

The Stephen Michael Foundation provides sporting, education, employment, wellbeing and leadership programs for young people. One of its initiatives is a female football academy for girls who otherwise wouldn’t have a competition in their region.

Aaliyah is a part of the Upper Great Southern Academy which has given her the opportunity to train and play football locally, as well with the South Fremantle Football Club (SFFC).

“I want to move to Perth next year to continue playing for the SFFC and hopefully be drafted into the AFLW. Taking part in the program gave me more clarity on my future and more confidence to go and achieve it.”

There’s no doubt Aaliyah future is looking bright, but she’s also got plans to give back to her community: “I would also like to work with the Stephen Michael Foundation to mentor young Aboriginal women.”

“From an early age I saw that she was extremely supportive of her peers and the development of local kids. She has a knack for engaging young kids in sport,” said Monday.