First Nations Football NSW Scholarships Announced
In preparation for the 2025 season Football NSW is excited to announce its successful applicants for First Nations scholarships.
The scholarships aim to provide opportunities and increase the representation of First Nations participants in the game.
“The Football NSW scholarships are an important part of the work Football NSW is undertaking to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in football,” said Co-Chair of Football NSW’s Indigenous Advisory Group Bianca Dufty.
“It’s exciting to see so many talented Aboriginal footballers and coaches take the next steps in their footballing journey, and it’s great that we are able to support the successful scholarship recipients and be part of that journey.
“I can’t wait to see the next Aboriginal footballer, referee, and coach inspiring our next generation to play, referee or coach, and fall in love with the world game.”
Developed and assessed in conjunction with the Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group, scholarships have been awarded to players and coaches, with First Nations referee scholarships to follow.
The applicants’ identities were anonymised during the selection process to ensure impartiality and that the most deserving candidates were chosen.
These scholarships are aimed to:
- Reduce barriers for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander participants in elite pathways.
- Increase development opportunities for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander participants.
- Identify and support the next generation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander participants.
- Where possible identify emerging talent beyond traditional pathways, aiming to discover football participants who may not yet have access to elite opportunities, and ensuring a broader range of individuals can be involved at a high level.
- Create access to opportunities for all, offering scholarships to individuals who currently lack such opportunities or experience, enabling them to pursue their potential and advance their football careers.
2025 First Nations Player Scholarship recipients
Metro
- Jarrah Longbottom
- Zachary John Healey
- Coen Hardy
- Hollie Willats
- Summer Smith
Country
- Maddison Houghton
- Khloe Houghton
- Alexis Woolsey
- Carter Lane
- Jaxxon Woolsey
2025 First Nations Coach Scholarship recipients
- Joshua Jamieson
- Jessica Garrett
