Clinics kick-off National Indigenous Football Championships

On the eve of Australia’s largest Indigenous Football Championships taking place at the South Nowra Football complex, a special ALDI MiniRoos Schools Clinic kick-started the festivities as over 110 students took part in the memorable event.

Students from years three to six from local schools participated in various ALDI MiniRoos activities and games as well as having the pleasure of using the brand-new Football NSW Street Football inflatable pitch which proved to be a huge hit.

Football NSW in conjunction with Shoalhaven Association, Wreck Bay Sharks and Western Sydney University ran the first ALDI MiniRoos Coaching Course.

The highlight of the course was the inclusion of an education component via Western Sydney University covering various topics for upcoming coaches and players in the Indigenous community.

The 25 participants of the course went through a traditional welcome followed by a special coaches panel to display the pathway for coaches within the Indigenous community.

Thursday marks the first day of competition for all registered Indigenous Men and Women teams while another ALDI MiniRoos Coaching Course will take shape showcasing how inclusive football is.

The unique three-day tournament run the in the Shoalhaven District Football Association has already exceeded the number of teams for 2018 enforcing the message that this is one of the premier Indigenous football events of the year attracting interest from the ACT, Northern NSW, Northern Territory and NSW – this on top of an U14’s competition added for the Championship.

Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge was glowing in his appraisal and support of the event.

“Football NSW is once again proud to support this premier grassroots Indigenous football event.

“The tournament is a great vehicle for Aboriginal football players to showcase their talent on a national stage and hopefully onto career pathways to W-League, A-League and national honors.

“I would like to wish all participants the best of luck in what will be a memorable tournament.”