The 2025 NAIDOC Cup got underway on Guringai Country at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabean on Wednesday.
More than 140 players and officials from Northern NSW Football and Football NSW celebrated the opening of the three-day event featuring special guests from the First Nations community.
The competition has returned for a fourth year to showcase proud First Nations male and female participants in the under-14s and under-16s age groups.
“The NAIDOC Cup is a fantastic opportunity for our proud and talented First Nations footballers to shine, showcase their skills and represent themselves, their families, their culture and their heritage,” NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes said.
The opening ceremony featured Tikka Jefferey who provided the Acknowledgement to Country before Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council performed a smoking ceremony which included a special didgeridoo performance.
Each team was presented their jerseys before celebrations continued with discussions with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty of NSW David Harris, Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group Co-Chair Bianca Dufty and APIA Leichhardt FC captain Jack Stewart.
NNSWF Participation Officer – Schools and First Nations Football Micheal Hugo said he looked forward to the annual tournament.
“We’re making significant progress in the First Nations football space and it’s inspiring to see us continuing to move forward together to create positive experiences for First Nations footballers throughout the region,” Hugo said.
“I can’t wait to watch our athletes shine at NAIDOC Cup, while getting to celebrate and embrace their culture.”
The first round of matches will take place on Thursday with games kicking off at 10am.
All eight matches will be streamed live on Football NSW YouTube channel.