First Nations Football
The game of football in Australia is built on respect. Respect for the game, the referees and each other. We also extend our respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands we play on around Northern NSW, and we welcome any Indigenous players to join us and share our love for the game.
Since 2021, we have run First Nations Football events around the region in our member zones. These include:
- Indigenous Rounds held during National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June every year).
- The NAIDOC Cup is held each July during NAIDOC Week, a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- The Women’s State Cup includes an all-Indigenous team of players from across Northern NSW and is one to watch throughout the three-day tournament.
Many of these activities are developed out of liaison with our Northern NSW Football Indigenous Reference Group and First Nations communities.
Each year NNSWF awards Talented Indigenous Scholarships to provide assistance for 12 talented football participants.
We encourage all clubs across Northern NSW to acknowledge and connect with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
Learn more about how you can engage First Nations communities in your area.
Indigenous Round 2023
Northern NSW Football invites member zones and clubs to register an activity in celebration of Indigenous Round, happening 30 June, 1 July and 2 July 2023.
Indigenous Round is the ideal time for clubs to celebrate First Nations players, coaches, referees and volunteers.