Futsal brings communities together

The busy regional city of Orange was caught with Futsal fever as the inaugural Nations of Origin Futsal tournament recently took place on Tuesday the 8th of July.

Held at the Orange PCYC, the tournament was a showcase of community spirit intertwined with traditional and cultural pride as over 200 participants competed across sixteen teams representing seven Indigenous nations which included Yuin, Biripi, Wiradjuri East, Darug, Wiradjuri West, Dunghutti and Birapi.

Football NSW Development Officer Robert Fitzgerald was delighted with the success the inaugural Nations of Origin brought to not just the city of Orange but the participants who thoroughly enjoyed their experience.

“The tournament was played in great spirits, with fair play and enjoyment at the core of every match.

“The tournament provided through the world game, an opportunity for many traditional indigenous nations to come together as one.

“The event also provided an opportunity towards reconciliation with teams required to have players of indigenous and also non-indigenous heritage.”

The tournament itself produced some exciting action with Yuin crowned winners of the Girls component defeating Darug 3-1 while in the boys section, Darug emerged victors in a nail-biting penalty shootout win over Wiradjuri Kalari.

Awards for Player of the tournament were also given with Durag’s Mitch Cooper clinching the boys while Yuin’s Jada Brown taking out the accolades in the girls category.

Along with the Futsal tournament, referees were also acknowledged for their efforts and completed a Futsal course on Monday the 7th of July as ten were sourced from the Orange and District Soccer (Football) Referees Association who then officiated in the tournament.

Fitzgerald again, praised the efforts of the referees and acknowledged the support of the local association with their assistance.

“Cultural pride and enjoyment will not be the only lasting legacy of the inaugural Nations of Origin Futsal tournament.

“It was great to see the local referees engage in the Futsal Course and I am sure they enjoyed themselves.

“Special thanks to Paul Jones who assisted by delivering the course as well as a big thank you to PCYC, the staff at Orange PCYC and Chris Gardener for championing the Nations of Origin concept.”

Background on the Nations of Origin concept

The Nations of Origin concept is a joint initiative of Football New South Wales (FNSW), the Police and Community Youth Clubs (PCYC) and traditional indigenous nations. The Tournament is designed to promote reconciliation within communities by engaging Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and people of non-Aboriginal The concept for the he tournament was initiated after consultation with Aboriginal communities across NSW and young people with ways in which to commence reconciliation between young people and provide an avenue for the young Indigenous community to commence discussion within their families and communities on their cultural identities.