More than 120 First Nations players aged between 13 and 16 will converge on Valentine Sports Park for the second annual NAIDOC Cup in July.
The NAIDOC Cup will return this year, with the tournament expanded to a three-day event from Monday 3 July to Wednesday 5 July.
The NAIDOC Cup coincides with NAIDOC Week, a national week held in July that celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Northern NSW Football and Football NSW will enter male and female teams in under-14s and under-16s age groups, with squads made up of First Nations players. The tournament will also engage First Nations coaches and referees from across the state,
NNSW Football Legacy Plan Development Officer Joseph Wright said the event was a celebration of Indigenous culture using football as the medium to bring First Nations players together from across NSW.
“Last year’s event was a huge success and we’re really excited to see the NAIDOC Cup return this season,” Wright said.
“The NAIDOC Cup is a celebration of First Nations communities, culture and football and it is a great opportunity for our proud and talented First Nations footballers to shine, showcase their talent and represent themselves, their family, their culture and heritage.”
The NAIDOC Cup is an important part of NNSWF’s plan to increase opportunities for First Nations coaches and footballers.
“The NAIDOC Cup together with the NNSWF Talented Indigenous Scholarships are about connecting with our region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage,” Wright said.
“We want more football opportunities for First Nations communities and this is a chance to identify and showcase the next generation of coaches and players.”
The first NAIDOC Cup was held on Awabakal land at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility last year.
Football NSW downed Northern NSW Football 4-3 in the girls match, while Football NSW ran out 10-0 winners over Northern NSW Football in the boys match.
The event is in partnership with Football NSW and driven by NNSWF’s Indigenous Reference Group.
2023 NAIDOC Cup Jersey Design Competition
There is an exciting opportunity to get your designs displayed on NNSWF’s 2023 NAIDOC Cup jerseys.
Enter the design competition and share your work that connects with the national NAIDOC theme: For Our Elders.
Complete your entry and attach your artwork in line with the terms and conditions HERE before the competition closes on Wednesday 29 March.
For more information regarding the NAIDOC Cup contact NNSW Football Legacy Plan Development Officer Joseph Wright via email at jwright@northernnswfootball.com.au.
