This Indigenous Football Week® we changed the game AGAIN.
We handpicked 26 of Australia’s most promising young female and male Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers from all corners of Australia to take part in an electrifying exhibition match for the inaugural JMF National Talent Showcase.
This John Moriarty Football event was an Australian-first event designed to unearth the next generation of Indigenous football talent and bridge the gap between remote grassroots play and the world of elite football for talented Indigenous players.
From pre-game warmups, to the last 10 minutes played barefoot and a penalty shootout, it was exciting to watch 26 hugely talented young Indigenous footballers, female and male, aged 12-16, from all over Australia light up the field – some who had never played in boots or on a proper pitch before!
The Showcase unearthed some exceptional talent and it was a brilliant match to watch that fittingly ended in a 2-2 draw. Watch this space for the emerging talent we saw on the night, to take their place in the football ecosystem more fully.
The showcase was far more than just a once-off tournament. In the lead-up to the showcase, participants were fully supported with personalised, culturally relevant, wrap-around technical and wellbeing support. Select players are also now in the running for a life-changing 12-month JMF Scholarship, providing these up-and-coming athletes with the long-term support needed to pursue both an excellent education and advanced football development.
An event like this involves many people to bring it to life, in particular – but not only – thank you Dharug knowledge holder Julie Jones for a warm and meaningful Welcome to Country, those from the professional football community who came along to experience the talent of these young players, especially Tom Sermanni.
Thank you to the special guests that attended including Indigenous Football Australia Council Member and Matildas squad goalkeeper, Jada Whyman (Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta), inaugural JMF Scholarship Holder Shadeene Evans (Marra), JMF Scholarship Holder Haylee-Anne Mooney (Wiradjuri), Moriarty Foundation board member Julia Moriarty (Yanyuwa/Marra) and Moriarty Foundation Co-Founders Ros Moriarty and John Moriarty (Yanyuwa).
A special mention to our long time partner Professional Footballers Australia for supporting the Showcase and helping to deliver the mentoring sessions with professional footballers who generously donated their time to share their football journey with our aspiring young players. Thank you Jada Whyman, Bryleeh Henry from Melbourne City, Ben Warland from Brisbane Roar, Nat Tathem from Perth Glory and Denis Genreau from Melbourne Victory.
A big thank you to the Moriarty Foundation team for all their hard work in delivering the event, especially JMF Program Manager – Coaching & Performance, Jen Wicks who conceived the Showcase, and was assisted across its programming by JMF Scholarships Coordinator and Program Ambassador, Allira Toby (Kanolu/Gangulu), and was supported by JMF Community Coaches Liam Ellison from Tennant Creek and Leitu Wallwork (Gudang/Yadhaykenu) from Cairns. It was a huge effort from the Sydney HQ team in supporting every practical aspect of this ambitious initiative.
Finally, thank you to the parents and families of the Showcase players, many of whom joined us on the night to cheer from the stands. Congratulations to the players on their selection and for giving their all on the night.
During Indigenous Football Week 2026® (IFW) Moriarty Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ros Moriarty challenged the football community to step up efforts to build a pipeline of Indigenous talent.
“The pipeline should have been conceived and delivered decades ago, in the footsteps of John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal footballer to be selected to play for Australia. But the game is still waiting.”
“We are throwing down the challenge to the game. When we call, we invite you to help us with the heavy lifting we are doing to bring a new generation of fresh, exciting Indigenous talent into Australian professional football. And beyond.”
“For the good of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. For the good of the game. For the good of Australia.”
Thank you to everyone who made IFW26 one to remember.
IFW brings the football community together to support inclusion and diversity, and to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It is an opportunity to celebrate JMF’s ability to bridge the gap between remote grassroots play and the world of elite football for talented Indigenous players through initiatives like the Showcase.
Support JMF today and help create more life-changing opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth.
