Indigenous Football Week (IFW) 2023 was celebrated October 30 to November 5, recognising the impacts of Indigenous football program John Moriarty Football (JMF).
Putting into consideration that it is Australia’s longest-running and most successful Indigenous Football initiative for 2-18-year-olds, JMF perseveres with its mission to create a beacon of light for social change as well as providing a pathway for Indigenous footballers and communities.
Overseeing JMF is an expert advisory council, Indigenous Football Australia (IFA), which was established to increase social change through football, expand the operations of JMF and ensure equal access to football for grassroots and elite Indigenous players.
Speaking with Soccerscene, JMF Program Director Jamie Morriss and JMF Scholarships Coordinator & IFA Council member Allira Toby discussed the overall impact of assisting Indigenous peoples and their communities around the country.
What was the process involved in organising the Indigenous Football Australia Council?
Jamie Morriss: We looked at bringing in expertise across a range of different areas, including previous Socceroos and Matildas, and also sport more broadly as well as academia and media. The council has majority Indigenous membership and is gender equal. Its goal is to strategically guide John Moriarty Football. The IFA Council meets once a quarter to discuss where the strategy and direction of the program is going.
Having lots of great experience along with great individuals on that council provides expertise and thinking to help us unlock doors and continue to drive the program forward.
What is the procedure for kids to be involved in the Scholarship?
Allira Toby: A lot is involved in the scholarships. We have a criteria that identifies kids in the communities that have the potential to go far professionally in football. A key component of this is the individual Scholarship Holders, with the support of their family, making a commitment to attend school.
A JMF Scholarship starts at the grassroots level in our community hubs. We provide football training and development, mentoring, help with their studies, providing football equipment and club fees, and even travel to tournaments. As their talent and skills develop, they may then qualify for a Sydney Scholarship during their high school years. In Sydney they will attend a top sports high school, receive extensive football training and development, wrap-around pastoral care, mentoring, tutoring, placement with a football club, and much more.
How many kids have gone far in becoming a professional footballer?
Allira Toby: We have one individual so far playing professional football. Marra woman Shadeene (Shay) Evans is the inaugural JMF Scholarship Holder. She has played for the young Matildas and is currently playing for the Central Coast Mariners in the A-Leagues.
We also have a number of talented Sydney Scholarship Holders who are well on their way to playing professionally and are already playing in high level tournaments and competitions.
What is the vision for JMF?
Jamie Morriss: To grow it across Australia. Ideally we would have a hub operating in each of the states – currently we are in three states, but we would like to offer the program nationwide, with the view of having more staff on the ground to run the grassroots program so we can impact as many kids and communities as possible.
Are there any fees involved for this program?
Jamie Morriss: Not for us – we offer the program free of charge to all the communities that we are delivering to.
We have some contributions from schools and partners that we are delivering to so they help with our fundraising efforts. For the scholarship players that we support in Sydney, we cover their registration fees, boots, shinpads, additional training sessions and we support their travel to and from community so they can go home for the school holidays.
The sister program of JMF, Indi Kindi, is an innovative early years education initiative for birth to five year olds, delivered by locally employed Aboriginal staff.
The Indi Kindi program includes Indi Footi which activates young brains through movement and develops basic football and motor skills, balance and coordination in a fun and non-competitive environment.
Having been recognised across the A-Leagues, JMF will continue to have an everlasting impact.
