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.

JMF scholarships & pathways

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

Originally from Borroloola, NT, inaugural scholarship holder, Shadeene (Shay) Evans, was scouted by former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic at the age of 13. In 2019 she debuted with Sydney FC and was selected as a Young Matilda and named vice-captain. In 2020 Shay was named Football Australia Role Model of the Year and won a full academic scholarship to study social work at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Shay has played for the Central Coast Mariners since 2023, and was part of the premiership-winning team in 2025.

Get involved today and support JMF

ROLE: JMF Program Manager (Sydney)

June 20, 2025

ROLES: Community Coaches – NSW & NT

April 10, 2025

JMF Coaches travel to Tennant Creek to further their studies

April 8, 2025

Our programs

Indi Kindi

A groundbreaking, on Country early childhood solution that integrates culture, education, health, wellbeing and development.

John Moriarty Football

Harnessing the power of football to positively engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.