
Football NSW has unveiled its latest cohort of First Nations scholarship recipients, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to increasing Indigenous participation across all levels of the sport.
The comprehensive scholarship program, which includes both metropolitan and regional recipients, demonstrates the organisation’s ongoing efforts to boost Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation throughout the football community.
Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group Co-Chair Bianca Dufty highlighted the program’s significance.
“The Football NSW scholarships are an important part of the work Football NSW is undertaking to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in football,” she said via press release.
“It’s exciting to see so many talented Aboriginal footballers and coaches take the next steps in their footballing journey, and it’s great that we are able to support the successful scholarship recipients and be part of that journey.
“I can’t wait to see the next Aboriginal footballer, referee, and coach inspiring our next generation to play, referee and coach, and fall in love with the world game.”
The selection process, conducted in partnership with the Football NSW Indigenous Advisory Group, maintained strict anonymity during assessment to ensure fair consideration of all candidates.
The program has awarded scholarships across playing and coaching categories, with referee scholarships set to be confirmed.
The initiative specifically targets the reduction of barriers for Indigenous participants in elite pathways whilst expanding development opportunities.
It places particular emphasis on identifying emerging talent beyond traditional channels, especially focusing on individuals who may not have previously had access to elite-level opportunities.
The 2025 playing scholarships have been awarded to five metropolitan recipients: Jarrah Longbottom, Zachary John Healey, Coen Hardy, Hollie Willats, and Summer Smith.
The regional recipients are Maddison Houghton, Khloe Houghton, Alexis Woolsey, Carter Lane, and Jaxxon Woolsey. Joshua Jamieson and Jessica Garrett have been named as the recipients of the coaching scholarships for 2025.
This scholarship is a great initiative for the inclusivity of the game and a perfect way to find emerging players and inspiring coaches from the NSW Indigenous Community.
Hopefully this scholarship program and its new cohort can help promote the important place football has in supporting and enriching the NSW community.