Magic evening for Indigenous footballers
Eleven NSW star struck Indigenous footballers couldn’t believe their luck when they witnessed the Socceroos dismantle Oman 4-0 at Stadium Australia on Tuesday evening.
Gob smacked by the boisterous reception Ange Postecoglou’s men received on the night, the travelling party were part of the AFC’s Asian Cup Indigenous Engagement Program.
This program provided the eleven lucky players, who made the three and a half hour trip from far Western NSW, the opportunity to participate in a back stage tour of Stadium Australia which included a pre-match tour of the Socceroos dressing room, VIP area, a walk through the player race as well as taking a seat in the Socceroos dugout.
Jason French, a passionate Indigenous football advocate who assisted the shuttle from Orange along with Katrina Hausia, was ecstatic with how the magical day unfolded.
“This event was aimed at providing a meaningful engagement for Indigenous youth footballers and it certainly met this objective with eleven delighted players.
“It was awesome to be in the Socceroos change room and having had the chance to get photos of the kids in front all the jerseys of their idols such as Timmy Cahill, was a moment that will live long in all their memories.
“Football really brings everybody together and to have been part of such a prestigious event such as the AFC Asian Cup was something special.
“A big thank you to the AFC and Football NSW for what was an unbelievable opportunity.”
Player Participants
Jay French – Canobolas Rangers Junior Soccer Club
Ben French – Canobolas Rangers Junior Soccer Club
Trent French – Western NSW Mariners FC
Taigan Brennan-Ingram – Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association
Issace Lettice – Canobolas Rangers Junior Soccer Club
Dillion Bell – Canobolas Rangers Junior Soccer Club
Jake Bell – Orange Waratah Junior Football Club
Cal Dixon – Western NSW Mariners FC
Jada Murphy – Orange Waratah Junior Football Club
Carla Smith – Orange Waratah Junior Football Club
Kelly Furner – Orange Waratah Junior Football Club
