Wrap up of JMF Indigenous Football Week 2020

Thank you to everyone involved in Indigenous Football Week 2020.

Thousands of children from our community hubs participated in our virtual workshops and gala days, all celebrating past, present and future Indigenous footballers and the pathways that are being created by the JMF program.

This year we launched the JMF Community Scholarships and Pathways Program and celebrated the talent and dedication of our five Community Scholars:

Nearly 1,000 students in our JMF partner schools joined our virtual workshops with sports psychologist Dr Noel Blundell on deep breathing exercises and emotional self-regulation, as well as, nutrition and wellness sessions with Compeat Nutrition.

IFW20 Community Gala Days

Our Community Gala Days in Dubbo (NSW), Mareeba (QLD), and Tennant Creek (NT) were a huge success in bringing the communities together to celebrate Indigenous football with a friendly round-robin tournament.

In Dubbo, the JMF Select team played against Western NSW FC and Eastern Suburbs Football Association. The first game between JMF Select and Western NSW FC was live-streamed and commentated by Moriarty Foundation Board Member, Craig Foster. The overall winning team of the Dubbo tournament was Western NSW FC.

In Mareeba, the JMF Select team made up of players from Kuranda and Mareeba, played against Mareeba United FC and Kuranda Rangers FC. The first game between JMF Select and Mareeba United FC was live-streamed and commentated by former A-League player, Zenon Caravella. The overall winning team of the Mareeba tournament was Mareeba United FC.

In Tennant Creek, for the first time, we brought together JMF Select teams from Tennant Creek and Borroloola to play against the Alice Springs Stormbirds. The tournament got off to a great start with the first game between JMF Tennant Creek and JMF Borroloola being live-streamed and commentated by Bruce Stalder, CEO of Football Northern Territory, before the tournament had to be cancelled due to storms.

Thank you

We are grateful to our IFW20 Patron Adam Goodes and Ambassadors Jada Whyman and Shadeene Evans for their involvement and for being incredible role models.

Thank you to our valued partners Football Federation Australia, Professional Footballs Australia, SBS Australia, SBS The World Game, NITV, and FOX Sports Australia.

Thank you also to our JMF coaches, head office teams, partner schools, football clubs, and supporters for ensuring another great Indigenous Football Week. We are grateful for your support in helping us to shine a light on the contribution of Indigenous footballers to the game and the need to keep fostering pathways for Indigenous children, families and communities.