Breaking down the barriers, engaging with community, building relationships and having fun is the aim of the South Coast Police District's team when it contests the National Indigenous Football Championships next week.
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It's the fourth year the championships, organised by Bernie McLeod of Wreck Bay Sharks FC and his band of workers, along with the Shoalhaven District Football Association, have been held.
2019 will be the second year in a row the "local cops", known as the South Coast Dolphins have taken part.
The unique three-day tournament is one of the premier Indigenous football events of the year with more than 500 players battling it out for their respective titles.
The drug and alcohol-free event features 16 teams in both an open men and women's competition and 10 under 14 male and female teams.
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While the boys in blue will contest three pool round matches they will not be eligible for the finals' play-offs.
"It's all about taking part and breaking down the barriers," said officer in charge of Nowra Police Station, Inspector Ray Stynes.
"It's also a great way to build relationships.
"The championships are a great event and we are delighted to take part."
The Dolphins are in form having taken out the second annual Steven "Jonno" Johnson Memorial Shield 2-1 in extra-time over nearby rivals Lake Illawarra Police District in June.
The memorial trophy is named in the honour of late Chief Inspector Johnson, who worked at both the Shoalhaven and Lake patrols, and tragically passed away last year.
The team also returned from the NSW Police (& Emergency Services) Games which were held in Wollongong earlier in the week, having played three games, scoring a draw and suffering two losses.
"It was a pretty tough day of competition," said team organiser, Detective Senior Constable Jason Angus.
"A couple of the games were pretty willing and we might carry a few injuries into next week's event.
"But we will be out there giving it our all."
"Last year's event was fantastic. The championships have a great feel about it," Inspector Stynes said.
"It attracts teams from all over the country and is played in the right spirit.
"The whole event is a credit to Bernie and his team."
A special ALDI MiniRoos Schools Clinic will be held at Ison Park South Nowra on Wednesday, October 30, followed by the official opening and first day of competition on Thursday, October 31.
The second day of competition and junior matches are on Friday, November 1 with the finals and Elders Walking Football on Saturday, November 2.
Spectators are most welcome.