NAIDOC Cup launched at Football NSW
The 2023 NAIDOC Cup kicked off in style at Valentine Sports Park (Darug country) on Monday as over 140 players and officials from Football NSW alongside Northern NSW Football participated with various special guests from the First Nation community to celebrate the opening of the three-day event.
Coinciding with NAIDOC Week with this year’s theme of ‘For Our Elders’, the Cup, currently in its second year, will showcase proud First Nation male and female participants set to feature in both the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups.
“The NAIDOC Cup is a fantastic opportunity to showcase players from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” said Football NSW Chairman Gilbert Lorquet.
“Over the years, this community has contributed a lot to the development of Australian football and they play quite a critical role in inspiring younger generations to play the sport and be positive role models.”
The official ceremony featured proud Darug woman Tataya Curry-Jones who provided the ‘Welcome to Country’. A member of Football NSW’s inaugural NAIDOC Cup squad last season, Tataya was named the female player of the tournament in 2022.
“It’s very special to me because I get to play with the girls that come from the same background as me which is very special,” said Curry-Jones.
“Just to play for my people and my community as well, is something that will always [stay with me].”
Along with Tataya’s ‘Welcome to Country’, a special cultural performance was displayed by the Gamarada Mob who continued with the opening day celebrations.
The jersey presentations to all teams then proceeded as proud Kanolu/Gangulu woman and former A-League star Allira Toby and equally proud Birpi Socceroos legend Jade North assisted in the formalities.
“To have a NAIDOC Cup here hosted by Football NSW is something special,” said North.
“We’re taking really big strides in that First Nations [space] and it’s great to see that we’re all moving together as one and it’s great for the young First Nations footballers to come through as well.”
Twenty-one-year-old Contemporary Aboriginal artist Nikeeta Haverfield was responsible for designing the NSW jerseys while talented Kamilaroi, Gomeroi, Gamilaraay High School student from Tamworth Phoebe Little designed Northern NSW’s version.
Tuesday will see the first round of matches take shape at Valentine Sports Park with games kicking at 10:30am.
All eight matches will be streamed live on NPL.TV ensuring access to the First Nations sporting can be enjoyed across Australia and beyond.
The 2023 NAIDOC Cup is supported by the NSW Government through the $10 million NSW Football Legacy Program.
