Indigenous footballer Shadeene Evans trains with UK’s Charlton Athletic FC

In the lead up to Indigenous Football Week® (23 to 29 September 2024), John Moriarty Football secured a training place for Indigenous (Marra) A League footballer Shadeene (Shay) Evans with Charlton Athletic Football Club in London.

The opportunity is part of Evans’ pre-season A-League Women’s preparations, having re-signed with Central Coast Mariners, following a stellar NPL season with the Northern Tigers.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to train at such a high level with an incredible team. My goal is to continue to push myself and work hard to be the best footballer I can be. To play for an elite women’s club overseas at some stage in my career would be a dream come true,” said Ms Evans.

Shay’s 31 August to 17 September training placement introduced her to an international full time professional football environment, including individual technical development and high performance sports psych sessions. She also attended Charlton Athletic FC match days, and watched English Premier League fixtures in London.

Evans’ explosive talent was recognised at just 13 years of age when she was scouted by former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic. Originally from the remote community of Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory, she moved to Sydney as JMF’s inaugural scholarship holder in the same year to commence secondary school at Westfields Sports High School.

In 2018 Evans debuted with Sydney FC and was also selected for the Young Matildas, which she later vice captained. Evans has since been developing her football with A-League clubs Adelaide United, Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners.

“When you come from a community like Borroloola where life can be tough, opportunities like this seem impossible. John Moriarty Football changed my life and now I’m a role model for other Aboriginal kids to show them what’s possible,” added Ms Evans.

Jemma White, Head of Women’s Football at Charlton Athletic Football Club, said: “Having Shadeene Evans join us for this training period has been a true pleasure. Her talent and determination are evident, and we’re excited to see her growth within our professional environment. Shadeene’s journey through Moriarty Foundation is an inspiring example of how giving people the right opportunities can help them to excel and we are grateful to be a small part of Shadeene’s journey.”

JMF Program Director Jamie Morriss, said, “Shay has had a strong 12 months. She is fit and she continues to improve. She had a number of stand out moments in the recent NPL season with the Northern Tigers and she’s looking forward to another good A-Leagues season with the Mariners.”

“Shay has broken countless barriers to get where she is today. From playing barefoot in the bush, she continues to impress with her speed, agility and instinctive style of playing. We are excited to see Shay continue to grow as a footballer. It’s opportunities like this that can really open up new possibilities; this is what JMF is all about,” Mr Morriss added.