Hundreds of students from across the Kimberley descended on Cable Beach in Broome for the first day of the annual Kimberley 9s carnival this week.

Now in its sixth year, the carnival attracted close to 600 students from Years 5 to 8, with 82 per cent of Kimberley schools taking part in the AFL 9s competition.

Some students travelled more than 12 hours from remote communities, with broken-down buses to make the event.

Run by Fremantle Football Club's Purple Hands Foundation, the event rewards students for regular school attendance and positive behaviour in their communities.

For many students travelling hundreds of kilometres, the carnival offers much more than a chance to play football.

It provides an opportunity to connect with other young people, meet their sporting heroes and experience something they may not otherwise have access to due to location barriors, while celebrating their communities, schooling achievements and building a sense of belonging.

Purple Hands Foundation general manager Simon Eastaugh said the carnival had grown from a small initiative into a major regional event.

"We're super proud of what we've been able to achieve now in our sixth year," he said.

"Special relationships are built through that that goes beyond football, and that's essentially what this carnival is all about."

Fremantle players Isaiah Dudley, Leon Kickett and Áine Tighe joined the students, bringing plenty of excitement to the young school players.

Students were thrilled to see their footy stars in the flesh, with the chance to meet their heroes and kick a footy around with them.

Fremantle forward Isaiah Dudley said seeing the children enjoying themselves reminded him of his own childhood.

"This morning's been pretty special and pretty amazing, to be honest. To see all the kids run loose, have fun ... just reminds me back when I was with my cousins and brothers," he said.

Dudley also encouraged students to keep attending school, saying education could open doors beyond sport.

"School is important. It's a big step in where you want to go in life. If you stick at it, it opens many pathways, whatever it be, if it's not footy, just life in general," he said.

Police officers also took to the pitches, joining students in spirited but friendly games to help strengthen relationships between police and Aboriginal young people.

WA Police Superintendent John Hutchinson, from the Kimberley District, said the carnival provided an important opportunity for officers to engage with young people in a positive environment.

"It really is a good positive environment for police to form relationships with a lot of these young kids that otherwise we don't get the opportunity to do so and we are so happy to be a part of the event," he said.

The official partners and sponsors of Kimberley 9s are WA Police, Programmed, Containers for Change WA, RACWA, the Shire of Broome and Broome Surf Life Saving Club.

Workshops and activities were also delivered by the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), headspace Broome, the West Australian Football Commission (WAFU), and All Abilities Footy.

The foundation's Kimberley Connected program also continues to engage with communities throughout the year.

Day one wrapped up with a spontaneous dance-off and awards ceremony, celebrating students' achievements both on and off the field.