The role of the Voices of Children and Young People Advisory Group is to provide strategic direction and leadership to the SportWest and True Sport Team to ensure the advancement of policies and programs that benefit them and the future generations of children and young people in sport in Western Australia.
The Voices of Children and Young People (VofC&YP) Advisory Group sets out to empower its members by providing them a platform to engage in creative projects aimed at increasing the awareness of the positive impact sport can have on the lives of children and young people in the Western Australian community and, the power of including and consulting the voices, opinions and ideas of children in policies and the ‘every-day’ functions of sporting organisations that directly impact their experiences.
The Voices of Children & Young People Cultural Navigation Guide
Jade Narkle
Jade is a proud Noongar woman and has strong family connections to the Wongi people – from the Goldfields and the Yamatji people – from the Pilbara. Jade currently works at the West Australian Football Commission as the Aboriginal & Diversity Programs Specialist.
The Voice of Children & Young People Advisory Group Members...
Adam Popham
Adam has worked in sport through an Inclusion and Diversity lens for the past 5 years with roles at Inclusion Solutions and Swimming WA. He has professional and personal experience in a variety of sports although certainly isn't a master at playing any. Adam loves playing AFL, Rugby Union, Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball and has been a rugby and a junior AFL umpire coach. He is passionate about the benefits young people can receive from actively participating in their sports clubs, particularly in clubs and environments where they feel welcomed and valued.
Ava Rodgers
Ava is a road and track cyclist, triathlete, swimmer and runner. She has represented WA in cross country, triathlon, cycling, aquathlon, and was part of the 2023 WAIS talent identification program for track cycling. Ava attends MLC and is a middle school house leader. Ava wants to encourage girls to stay in some form of sport or activity because of the long-term career and leadership benefits.
She is a brand ambassador for Bepositive, Ascent Bikes, and UCAN. Ava can be found on Instagram as @GoGidget1
Brady Fulcher
In his own words, "I’m really into sports!". Brady especially enjoys hockey, surf lifesaving, track cycling and AFL. Brady is excited to be part of the Voices of Children and Young People Advisory Group, where he'll get to share his experiences and give feedback to SportWest. Brady thinks it’s important that young people have a voice in decisions about sport, projects, events and creating new sport resources. He's keen to help make a positive impact on the junior sporting community in WA and make sure everyone, no matter their abilities, feels welcome. Sport isn’t just about playing; it’s also a great way to make friends and learn skills that 'stick' with you for life. (excuse the pun!)
Ella Blythman-kirk
After her 7th season in Junior Division 1 field hockey, Ella Blythman-Kirk carries the accolades of 3x best and fairest, Hockey WA Academy player and Women's Premier League 3 player. She's a diehard sports fanatic, heavily immersed in AFL - Geelong Cats, F1 - McLaren, BBL - Scorchers and NHL - Dallas Stars, and holds an extensive array of sporting knowledge within these various sports. She has also previously taken up the role of minky hockey coach, assisting with the development of skills within younger hockey players, and holds a deep interest in the functioning and high performance of the human body in extreme sporting situations.
Shae Richardson
Growing up in regional Western Australia Shae has always had a strong connection to sport. She tried her hand at all that was available, netball, basketball, tennis, and volleyball but her interest was piqued when she studied Physical Education studies in high school. After high school Shae completed a bachelor’s degree in sport science, exercise and health and then a masters degree in clinical exercise physiology. Shae currently works as an Exercise physiologist with Veterans where she helps them reconnect with their love of sport and exercise to help them manage their physical and mental health. Her sport of choice is volleyball, and she likes the fast-paced movement and the strategy involved in every skill and decision made on court. Shae is extremely passionate about improving accessibility to sport and exercise as she has seen and understands the physiological benefits.
Hope Ugle-Hayward
Hope is a Noongar woman with family connections throughout the South West. She has participated in a variety of sports growing up, ranging including Surf Life Saving, Basketball and AFL. Hope has been passionate about sport since a young girl and has always aspired to be a professional athlete. She currently plays in the WAFLW for Swan Districts FC and is excited to be able to share her voice to make sport more inclusive, fair, safe and accessible for all.
Fergus Milsom
Volleyball in all of its aspects has been Fergus's sport since he was 12. He has played indoor for over a decade now and has begun transitioning over to the beach, which he thoroughly enjoys. Fergus has coached at multiple levels spanning primary schools, club and high schools all over Perth. While he feels volleyball is highly competitive, Fergus does enjoy learning new sports and playing socially, as recently he has picked up swimming which has been fantastic for his fitness. All in all Fergus loves what sport does for him and he wishes to impart this same love to all of those who he meets.
Kyron Hayden
Kyron Hayden, heavily involved in Australian Rules Football. The journey began as a player at Junior ranks, progressing to an elite athlete on the professional platform, the AFL. Post football career, Kyron has found a passion sharing his knowledge with the next generation, coaching many Junior programs.
Joseph Salt
Joseph is a keen sportsman and values the contribution of community support. He swims twice a week with Superfins and participates in Masters Swimming events. He loves the open water events at beaches like Coogee, Mullaloo, Rottnest and the Busselton Jetty Swim. He also travels interstate each year to the Australian Masters events. So far this has taken him to Darwin, Hobart and in 2025, Melbourne. During winter he plays for Wembley Integrated Football Club and has trained for 3 years with the State All Abilities team. In summer you will find him playing cricket at Wembley with the integrated team. Joseph's a big fan of the West Coast Eagles, Big Bash Cricket and the Matildas.
Sheridan Cocks
Sheridan considers himself a serial generalist – like a jack of all trades, having enjoyed a variety of sports. Everything from athletics, to basketball, soccer, footy, cricket, and most notably volleyball. Sheridan is a keen water sport enthusiast as well, engaging in Surf Lifesaving sports, among others. He is most interested in the physical, mental and social benefits associated with sports, and seeing all young Australians engage in sports for healthy, lifelong development.