The National Indigenous Football Championships was success – even before a ball was kicked.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The tournament is being played at Ison Park South Nowra with the finals on Saturday.
Without ball kicked or a goal scored the competition was a success because of its wonderful display of Indigenous culture.
A cultural ceremony was held at Ison Park on Wednesday to open the event and the gathering had many highlights.
Aunty Grace Crossley from Jerrinja did the Welcome to Country (see video below) and the pride in her voice was noticeable.
She told the audience how proud she was of all the players who were representing their communities.
A group of Indigenous performers had the audience spellbound with their traditional music and dance.
Event director Bernie McLeod watched on with pride.
“I’m expecting a fun few days – obviously there can only be a couple of winners but at the end of the day, it’s more about indigenous people as a whole winning together through the avenue of sport,” he said.
See the start to the ceremony – below.
This is the second instalment of the National Indigenous Football Championships at South Nowra’s Ison Park.
After a successful inaugural championships in 2016, which saw the Illawarra Bungarra women’s side and Warrigal Dingoes men’s side claim their respective titles, this year’s event looks set to be even more exciting with 14 men and 11 women’s teams competing.
“We have increased the number of senior teams competing this year as well as adding a junior component to the four days, which is great,” Mr McLeod said.
“Obviously a large number of team are from NSW but it’s great to see more teams from Queensland involved this year, as well as a team from Darwin and a combined armed forces team.”
The four day event started on Wednesday, with Shoalhaven primary school students participating in the Indigenous miniroos program run by Football NSW.
The group games continue on Friday, running from 8.30 till 12pm.
Teams all unite as one – see video below
Saturday is the final day of competition and both the men’s and women’s quarter-finals will run from 8.30-11am.
The women’s grand final will take place at 11am before the Johnny Warren Foundation celebrity match is played from 12.30-1.30pm.
The National Indigenous Football Championships relay sprint race will take place at 1.45pm before the men’s grand final kicks-off at 2.30pm – with the presentation to held at the Bomaderry Bowling Club from 6pm.
Admission from Wednesday to Friday is free, while it’s $5 per adult on Saturday.
Teams represented include; Dhubu Dinawan FC, Eora United, Illawarra Bungarra, South Coast Jummalungs, Ladu United, Newcastle All-Stars, North Coast United , North Queensland Dragons, Northern Nations, Roseby Park Salt Water Gatherers, Navy FFA, South Coast Black Swans, Walanga Muru, Warrigal Dingoes and YUIN Sharks.
