From the Kimberley to the football fields of Perth, young Dambeemangaddee woman Ashleah Umbagai is making her mark in footy, backed by a family determined to give her every opportunity to succeed.
Currently attending school at Clontarf in Perth, Ashleah is balancing her education with a busy football schedule, including involvement with the Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academy and Claremont Football Club.
Ashleah caught the attention of Fremantle’s talent scouts through the club’s Next Generation Academy pathway, which identifies and supports promising young footballers. It’s an exciting opportunity for the young Kimberley footballer, who is gaining valuable experience training and developing her skills alongside other talented players.
Playing in the forward line, Ashleah enjoys the chance to kick goals and be part of a team. Footy is a great way for her to bond with other young people and build strong friendships, both on and off the field.
With her involvement at Claremont and the Dockers, Ashleah is getting a taste of what it takes to play at a higher level, while keeping her options open about whether professional football is something she wants to pursue.
But juggling school, football training and life away from home isn’t always easy.
“It’s hard to manage all of it. You’ve got to have support,” Ashleah says.
Ashleah feels supported at Clontarf, where she has settled into school life, made friends and continued to develop her football skills.
Her parents, Gary Umbagai and Sirita Lightning, along with her siblings who also attend school in Perth, provide the encouragement and support she needs to balance life between the Kimberley and Perth.
Having her family behind her is an important part of her journey, helping her make the most of opportunities while staying connected to home and Country.And while football is opening doors for her in Perth, home is never far from her mind.
Ashleah loves returning to the Kimberley, particularly Yaloon, where she spends time with her family fishing, collecting oysters, exploring the gorges and being out bush.
Spending time with her brothers and sisters on Country is something Ashleah treasures, but her father, Gary, encourages her to keep going with school and footy in Perth and make the most of the opportunities she has.
“Country is not going to go. You can’t take the cultural knowledge,” Gary says.
Gary, who is Chair of Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, is incredibly proud of what his daughter is achieving, both at school and on the footy field.
He knows how important it is for young people to have opportunities and strong family support, particularly with some of the challenges and distractions they face back home.
Gary played football himself when he was younger, but his journey was cut short when his mum passed away and he returned home to the Kimberley.
“I really encourage the footy,” Gary says.
Having experienced how quickly life can change, Gary is determined to give Ashleah every chance to follow her own path. For him, it’s about keeping young people engaged in school, sport and positive opportunities, with their families behind them all the way.
“I would recommend this to other young people in Derby because you’ve got more opportunities down there,” Ashleah says.
With her family behind her and a strong connection to Country, Ashleah is making the most of her education and football opportunities in Perth, showing other young people that they can build a positive future while staying connected to home, family and culture.