The JMF Scholarships and Pathways initiative provides a life-changing pathway for talented young footballers aged 10-18 years in our grassroots JMF program who show exceptional sporting ability and a desire to work hard at school.

Sydney Scholarships Program

JMF provides Sydney Scholarships to support aspiring and talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football players to attend some of Australia’s top schools and undertake intensive football training in Sydney.

We work in partnership with schools, like SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Westfields Sport High School and St. Catherine’s School, as well as NPL football clubs to provide these talented children with an opportunity to pursue both a great education and advanced football development.

Community Scholarships Pathways Program

Launched in 2020, this initiative is designed to develop talent and foster positive change, including improved school attendance and more resilient, healthier outcomes for players, their parents and communities.

It provides scholarships to selected athletes within their regional communities with one-on-one tutoring and mentorship, equipment and stationery for school, a placement with a JMF-partnered football club in the area, football equipment and travel support.

JMF Ambassador, Shadeene Evans

Inaugural scholarship holder, Shadeene (Shay) Evans, was scouted by former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic at the age of 13. In 2018 she debuted with Sydney FC and was selected as a Young Matilda and named vice-captain. In 2020 Shay was named Role Model of the Year by Football Australia and won a full academic scholarship to study social work at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. In 2021 Shay signed with world-leading Chic Model Management and represented Sydney FC in the 2022/23 A-Leagues Women season.

Get involved today and support JMF

ROLE: JMF Community Coach – Kuranda (Qld)

February 15, 2024

ROLE: Head Coach & Mentor – Borroloola (NT)

January 24, 2024

ROLE: Head Coach & Mentor – Tennant Creek (NT)

January 24, 2024

Our Sister Programs

Indi Kindi

A locally-led early years solution integrating health, wellbeing and education to give under five year olds the best start in life.

John Moriarty Football

A skills mastery initiative for 2-18 year olds that uses football (soccer) for talent and positive change.