Newcastle Jets players have thrown their support behind Indigenous Football Week, a major fundraising initiative for John Moriarty Football that is being held between 29 March and 3 April.
Proudly supported by Football Federation Australia, Professional Footballers Australia, SBS, FOX Sports, and Hyundai A-League clubs, Indigenous Football Week highlights the achievements of Indigenous players past and present, as well as the next generation of incredible talent.
Critically, the initiative aims to raise more than $200,000 for John Moriarty Football, a not-for-profit organisation that works to improve education and life outcomes for young Indigenous footballers and their families in remote Australia, at the same time ensuring Indigenous football succeeds in Australia.
Supporters can visit the John Moriarty Football website (jmf.org.au) to donate, and can encourage family and friends to do the same by uploading and sharing a photo or video of their feet, barefoot, with a ball, or juggling or playing, to Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #BarefootJMF and #GameChanger. SMS donations can be made by texting GOAL to 0455 021 021.
Please click here to view Newcastle Jets players playing football barefoot.
David Gallop, CEO, Football Federation Australia, said that Indigenous football is a powerful agent of change and an emerging source of exceptional Australian football talent.
“We’ve seen the rise of many inspirational Indigenous players who have brought formidable craftsmanship and skill to the game over the years, including Harry Williams, Travis Dodd, John Moriarty, the first Indigenous player selected to represent Australia, and current players such as Jade North, James Brown, Lydia Williams, Kyah Simon, and Adam Sarota, to name a few,” said Gallop.
“Football Federation Australia is proud to support an initiative which celebrates Indigenous footballers’ contribution to the game, and which, through John Moriarty Football, nurtures the next generation of breakthrough Indigenous talent.”
John Moriarty, founder of John Moriarty Football, said that the funds raised during Indigenous Football Week will go far in furthering programs that create life-changing opportunities for young Indigenous players, opening pathways for them to make their mark on Australian football.
“Our organisation works in two remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, employing and developing local coaches to support Indigenous families and the wider community. We deliver more than 800 training sessions and games per year within a program that includes nutrition, mentoring and wellbeing for 300 kids aged 2 to 16.
“Indigenous Football Week will help us expand our reach to support and nurture more young Indigenous athletes with the talent and potential to succeed through sport; whether at grassroots or the highest national and international levels of the game,” Moriarty said.
