Success for northern NSW players at First Nations Football Festival

It was all smiles at the 2022 First Nations Football Festival held at the South Nowra Complex last month.

The tournament was a smash hit and a memorable experience for the hundreds of players, coaches, referees, administrators and spectators celebrating the proud Indigenous football community.

The event started with a special Welcome to Country and opening ceremony which greeted clubs from across NSW in the under-14s boys and girls age groups as well as senior men and women.

The under-14s took centre stage first as the Newcastle All Stars won the under-14s boys and girls finals against Dhubu Dinawan.

All three of Newcastle’s boys teams made the semi-finals.

Saturday saw the senior men and women in action as well as a special celebrity match which included former Socceroos, First Nations role models, Football NSW and Football Australia staff as well as non-Indigenous athletes taking part. It was Jade North’s side that proved too strong winning 3-2 in a fun and exciting match.

That led to the finals of the men’s and women’s competitions with Central Coast Mariners coming out on top in the women’s division winning 3-1 over Newcastle All Stars Red. Newcastle All Stars Black also made the semi-finals with a team mostly made up of under-18s players.

Newcastle All Stars Red proved too strong in the men’s competition defeating Northern Nations 7-1 in the final. While Newcastle All Stars Black and Yellow made the semi-finals and quarter finals respectively.

About 90 per cent of the Newcastle All Stars players were based in Newcastle, with the rest from either the Mid North Coast or Central Coast.

Newcastle All Stars coach Mick Hugo said the tournament was a great opportunity for Indigenous footballers.

“It’s about making sure kids are getting opportunities to represent their culture, their region and themselves,” Hugo said.

“It’s also making sure kids are engaged in activities and aware of opportunities that are out there. Making connections with other kids and within the game [is so important].”

Tamworth-based Gomeroi Maliyan-Go also entered men's and women’s teams. The team draws players from all over the state with most of Gamilaraay/Gomeroi/Kamilaroi heritage.

GMG manager/co-ordinator Kaliela Thornton said the aim was to create a welcoming atmosphere for their players.

“Our team’s focus is on friendships, connection and of course football,” she said.

“Our teams are made up of sisters, cousins, brothers, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters.

“Some of our players are stolen generation descendants who are seeking connection to mob through the sport they love.

“GMG aim to offer a cultural connection as well as the opportunity to play against some amazing teams and players, as well as hopefully have talent recognised. Our teams love playing against other community teams who seek the same bonding and sporting experience, often making new friends and connections.

“As part of what we hope to offer is an opportunity for social and emotional wellbeing, mentors, pathways and positive experience. The festival offers us a space for us to achieve that and we are extremely grateful that we have this tournament as an annual option to attend.

“We are not a professional team but we have great players who with their knowledge of football can come together and play great football, often coming in as underdogs due to no training as a team or some having never met until the morning of the first game.”

Anyone who would like to get involved can contact Mick Hugo via the Newcastle Indigenous Facebook page by sending a message or contact directly via email at indigenous.football@gmail.com

Anyone who would like to get involved with Gomeroi Maliyan-Go can contact Kaliela Thornton via the Gomeroi Maliyan-Go Facebook page by sending a message or contact directly via email at gomeroimaliyango@gmail.com