Mandurah football clash stresses positive life choices

This year's Gnoonie Football Cup match in Mandurah will once again provide an opportunity for local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young men to join in friendly rivalry in remembrance of their family and friends.

Now in its ninth year, the aim of the event — initiated by the family and friends of four local young Aboriginal boys killed as a result of a tragic car accident in 2008 — is to encourage young people to make more positive life choices.

The event, hosted by the City of Mandurah, will be held at the Billy Dower Youth Centre and Bendigo Bank Football Stadium today (Thursday).

There will be family-friendly activities that include games, a bouncy castle, football clinics and more.

The smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country will start at 5.00pm.

The first game will commence at the stadium at 5.30pm.

The second game, the awards ceremony and community barbecue will be held at the Billy Dower Youth Centre afterwards.

The event will conclude at 8.00pm.