Northern NSW Football is delighted to announce its squads for the inaugural NAIDOC Cup.
The NAIDOC Cup is for First Nations footballers aged 14 to 16 who will represent NNSWF in one male and one female match against Football New South Wales.
The matches will be played on Awabakal land at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Wednesday 6 July.
NNSWF Female Participation and Inclusion Officer Annelise Rosnell said she was excited to see the concept come to life.
“The NAIDOC Cup coincides with NAIDOC Week from 3 to 10 July and is a celebration of First Nations communities, culture and football,” Rosnell said.
“I have no doubt the matches will be a success and I’m so glad our proud and talented First Nations footballers will get the chance to shine representing themselves, their family, their culture and heritage.”
The NAIDOC Cup is an important part of NNSWF’s plan to increase opportunities for First Nations coaches and footballers.
“The NAIDOC Cup together with the RTC Group NNSWF Talented Indigenous Scholarships are about connecting with our region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage,” NNSWF CEO David Eland said.
“We want more football opportunities for First Nations communities and this is a chance to identify and showcase the next generation of coaches and players.”
The event is in partnership with Football NSW and driven by NNSWF’s Indigenous Reference Group.
Football NSW will announce its NAIDOC Cup squads through its website and social media channels in due course.
The Northern NSW Football team will be sponsored by RTC Group who, as the inaugural partners of the Talented Indigenous Scholarships, continue to partner with NNSWF on these scholarships and other First Nations’ football initiatives.
RTC Group founding director and executive chairman Richard Claut said his organisation valued supporting equitable outcomes for underrepresented communities.
“RTC Group is recognised as a leader through partnerships helping our local community,” Claut said.
“NAIDOC Cup footballers and coaches will be role models in their communities and will encourage others to follow in their footsteps. We are proud to play a part in this fantastic initiative.”
2022 NAIDOC Cup details:
- Date: Wednesday 6 July 2022
- Venue: Awabakal land – Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
- Female Match: 1.30pm
- Male Match: 3pm
More information on the inaugural NAIDOC Cup is available HERE.
