Coach Harry Moir was amongst the five adults who accompanied the budding fire fighters.

“We came away with 7th place out of 180 teams,” he said. “That’s quite commendable for a WA team.”

Aged 11-16, the children formed two teams – sub-juniors and juniors – and brought home eight trophies in total.

Mr Moir said the victories made the 6000 kilometre round trip well worthwhile.

“We recognise that we’ve got a good side,” he said. “We wouldn’t do all this if we weren’t any good.”

Travelling the furthest of any of the competing teams, Mr Moir said the championship was a “big learning curve” for the children.

“It’s a really good experience for the kids.

“They pick up discipline and comradeship, and it encourages them to keep going [with the sport].”

Mr Moir and fellow coach Brian Willoughby said they wished to thank the financial sponsors who made the trip possible.

“And the ‘bus mums’,” Mr Moir added. “With them, we were able to focus on our role as coaches.”