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From 23-29 September 2024, John Moriarty Football (JMF) celebrated Indigenous Football Week (IFW) with the theme 'Breaking Barriers,' reflecting its mission to empower Indigenous youth through football. This annual initiative, organized by the Moriarty Foundation, featured a charity match and a gala day, highlighting the transformative power of sport in the lives of Australia’s most vulnerable children and youth.
John Moriarty, a Yanyuwa man and the first Aboriginal player to represent Australia in football, co-founded the Moriarty Foundation to support youth empowerment through education in his community in the Gulf of Carpentaria. His belief in the positive impact of football was echoed by Brisbane Roar’s golden boot winner Allira Toby, who noted that the program's theme encapsulates its purpose and the importance of celebration.
As part of IFW, Sydney's Allianz Stadium hosted the Moriarty Cup, a charity tournament featuring teams from major companies such as Paramount+, Optus, and Channel Nine. The event aimed to raise funds for JMF's programs, which offer free football sessions in communities with limited access to sports. JMF program director Jamie Morriss emphasized the organization’s commitment to making football accessible and improving educational engagement for children.
Participants like Shadeene Evans, the inaugural JMF scholarship holder and a player for Central Coast Mariners, shared their experiences of how the program changed their lives. Evans, who recently trained with UK Women’s Super League club Charlton Athletic, expressed her aspirations to inspire other Aboriginal youth through her journey.
Jada Whyman, a goalkeeper who recently signed with Danish club AIK and served as the 2024 IFW patron, highlighted the barriers she faced on her path to success. She emphasized the vital role of JMF in creating life-changing opportunities for Indigenous children, enabling them to shape their futures.
Overall, the 2024 Indigenous Football Week showcased the dedication of John Moriarty Football to fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players across Australia. The initiative not only celebrated sporting achievements but also reinforced the importance of community engagement and support for future generations.
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