The A-League’s only Indigenous player Jade North directed a coaching clinic alongside Wollongong Wolves coach and former Socceroos great Luke Wilkshire at Ison Park.

The Brisbane Roar defender who grew up on the Gold Coast and is based in Brisbane said it was a worthwhile trip.

“Seeing the kids with a big smile on their faces makes it worth it,” North said.

“Playing at the heights I’ve played at being an Indigenous footballer here in this country, it’s part of my journey to come and be a role model for the younger kids."

Read more: Great start to footy championships

While he cherishes being an ambassador, it’s a bitter-sweet feeling for North.

“Last year I was the only Indigenous player playing in the A-League,” he said.

“It’s a bit sad, you’d love more Indigenous kids representing at all levels or even just playing the game.”

North believes the cost of progressing to the A-League can be prohibitive, and that is what’s steering Indigenous athletes towards the NRL and AFL.

“Once they play in the development squads you’re looking at $1500 a year for one player,” North said.

“In rugby league, it’s less than a third of the price.”

He thinks it’s only a matter of time before the FFA makes changes to see more Indigenous players rise through the ranks.

“It’s a sleeping giant, once we get it right we’ll be an absolute force,” North said.

North, recovering from injury, was prevented from having a kick at the tournament, but he had plenty of time to watch the games.

North said he had noticed a number of talented players on the field on Friday.

“There’s so much great talent from the younger generation to the older generation, it’s the round ball that we love, we want to continue that,” North said.

”At this tournament the girls have impressed me.

“The women’s sport has really taken off, especially the Matildas. It’s great to see we have a few Indigenous girls representing Australia, we need more in the men’s and women’s.”

The championship continues tomorrow.