NSW Comes Together for 2013 Boys State Indigenous Football Festival
Football NSW and Northern NSW Football recently held the 2013 Boys NSW State Indigenous Football Festival at the National Indigenous Centre of Excellence in Redfern.
Over 100 players, coaches and parents from Northern NSW, Western NSW, Riverina and Metropolitan NSW participated in an action packed weekend of football, culminating with an intense Grand Final between the Western NSW Wallabies and the Northern NSW Metro Dingoes. With the scores locked at 2-2 after full time and each team scoring 1 a piece during extra time, the Dingoes goalkeeper made the decisive save from the 5th penalty of the shootout to claim victory.
As well as enjoying the game on the field, players were introduced to Traditional Indigenous Games during the evening by Football NSW Game Development Officers Amanda Lauric and David Plowright.
Sydney FC player Rhyan Grant was also present to meet players, take photos and observe potential indigenous Hyundai A-League stars of the future.
Northern NSW Football Community Football Manager Peter Haynes praised the opportunities the festival provides for young indigenous players to play the game they love and socialise in a quality environment.
“The weekend was an important step forward in our attempt to offer sustainable, ongoing football opportunities for indigenous footballers. The joint festival was a great way to provide young indigenous footballers the chance to meet like-minded young people while living and playing football at a first class facility.”
Football NSW Game Development Manager Hayley Todd celebrated the group effort from NSW’s two football governing bodies, parents and volunteers to host such a successful event.
“Collaboration between Football NSW and Northern NSW Football saw a true State Indigenous Football Festival. All players are to be congratulated on their efforts and sportsmanship both on and off the field. This year’s festival was a great celebration of Indigenous culture and football.”
The 2013 Girls NSW State Indigenous Football Festival will be held on the 12th/13th October.
For more information, please contact FNSW Game Development Officer Amanda Lauric at amandal@footballnsw.com.au .
The NSW State Indigenous Football Festival is held in conjunction with the Football Federation Australia’s “Football Dreaming” initiative.
For more information, please click here.
-Football NSW Release
