Inaugural National Indigenous Football Championships kicks off
The inaugural National Indigenous Football Championships held in NSW’s Shoalhaven kicked off today as the first fully national event will bring together 24 Indigenous men and women’s teams from across Australia and New Zealand to compete for the coveted prize of national football champions with the finals to be played on the 5th of November.
Australian Indigenous football icons Harry Williams and Karen Menzies were the first Indigenous representatives to play for the Socceroos and Matilda’s who both stated that such a Football Championship is a significant milestone for Indigenous football in Australia.
Wreck Bay Sharks FC President and Tournament Director, Bernie McLeod said this event is an opportunity to bring the skills of Aboriginal players to national attention.
“The event has received overwhelming support from the football fraternity, the corporate and government organisations involved and the Indigenous communities right across the nation”.
“It just fantastic that the Championships will attract up to 1000 participants and expects the event to double in the next few years, said McLeod Memo
Jamie Warren, Foundation Chairman said the Foundation was honoured to work side-by-side with the Wreck Bay Sharks FC and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football communities.
“The people of the South Coast NSW should prepare for a very special week of football as the event will host the very first Johnny Warren Football Celebrity Match consisting of former football legends and Indigenous sporting icons in the spirit of Reconciliation” said Warren.
To name a few, Ambassadors placing their support for the event include Sydney FC and Matilda sensation Kyah Simon, Brisbane Roar star and former Socceroo – Jade North, former Socceroo and SBS Chief Football Analyst, Craig Foster and former National Soccer League champion and current Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper.
For more information on the tournament click here to view the official Facebook page.
