A Kimberley teen is proving big dreams are within reach, with football opening doors for her in Perth while her family helps her stay connected to home and Country.

Dambimangari woman Ashleah Umbagai, 16, is balancing school at Clontarf with training through the Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academy and playing for Claremont Football Club.

The young footy forward player was scouted through the Dockers' talent pathway last year, giving her the opportunity to develop her skills and experience football at a higher level.

For her parents, Gary Umbagai and Sirita Lightning, seeing their daughter take up the opportunity has been a proud and emotional experience.

"It was happy tears and stressing at the same time," Ms Lightning said.

She recalled trying to organise Ashleah's training commitments across the clubs, as the family adjusted to the demands of her football schedule.

However, she said her daughter had a genuine passion for the game, and the family was determined to help her make the most of the opportunity.

"Mum is very, very proud of her," Ms Lightning said.

Moving away from home to pursue education and sport has not always been easy transition for Ashleah.

Her parents said there had been times when she felt homesick, but they continued to encourage her to stick with school and football, knowing the opportunities could help shape her future.

"As a mother, you just gotta say, home will always be here. Your parents will always be here," Ms Lightning said.

"We just want her to be there just for a better education and do good for yourself."

Ashleah returns to the Kimberley during school holidays, spending time with family at Yaloon, where she enjoys fishing, collecting oysters, exploring gorges and getting out on Country.

Her father, Gary, who chairs Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, said young people could pursue opportunities away from home without losing their cultural identity.

"Country is not going to go. You can't take the cultural knowledge," he said.

Mr Umbagai said he wanted his daughter to have the chance to follow her own path, with the support he believed was important for young people pursuing their ambitions.

"I really encourage the footy," he said.

Ashleah's journey is already inspiring others in her family.

Ms Lightning said Ashleah's younger brother had seen photographs of her football games and training sessions and was keen to follow in her footsteps.

"He was like, 'Mum, I want to go to the same school as Ashleah'," she said.

"He said, 'I want to play football like her'."

Ms Lightning described Ashleah as a naturally shy young woman and said she was proud to see her confidence and opportunities grow.

"She doesn't know it now, but I'll keep reminding her how very proud I am," she said.

Ms Lightning hopes Ashleah's story can encourage other young people, particularly girls in the Kimberley, to consider what might be possible for them.

She said she was willing to support other teenagers and their families as they explored opportunities in education and sport, including the challenges of moving away from home.

"I'd be more than happy to help and support them, the mothers and the child," she said.

For Ashleah's family, the message is simple - young people should be encouraged to dream big, take up opportunities and know they have people behind them.