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The captivating fervour surrounding the World Cup has enveloped Australia, yet it is impossible to ignore the distinct lack of representation and opportunities for the country's indigenous communities to partake in the beautiful game. However, amidst these disparities, a glimmer of transformation is emerging in certain corners of the nation.
Nestled within the sun-drenched terrain of the diminutive Gold Coast town, Runaway Bay, a burgeoning flame of change is being nurtured. Here, Edith Bowie and Eleanor Faye navigate the dry grass, weaving intricate patterns with a football under the watchful guidance of their coach, Lann Levinge. Their spirited exchanges, accompanied by laughter, unfold against the backdrop of the pavilion's terrace.
In the vast landscape of Australia, such scenes may appear commonplace, but within this particular setting, a profound shift is taking root. Bowie and Faye, hailing from the First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) communities, have often found the pursuit of the sport an elusive endeavor, marked by a sense of exclusion and unfamiliarity.
Reflecting on her past experiences in the game, Bowie, now 20, opens up about her sense of displacement, revealing, "You just don't really fit in." The sentiments of being distinct and treated differently have been ingrained in her memory since her childhood.
Enter Mangrove Jack, a trailblazing mixed-gender and age team, standing as a remarkable testament to reshape the prevailing narrative of underrepresentation among First Nations individuals, particularly young girls. It aims to redress the disparities and balance the scales, countering the dominance of rugby league (NRL) and Australian Rules Football (AFL), both of which possess well-established pathways and role models for First Nations players.
The inception of Mangrove Jack, according to Coach Levinge, arose from a realization that the prohibitive costs associated with football, coupled with limited access to opportunities in regions densely populated by First Nations communities, were inadvertently leading to overlooked talents and unfulfilled potential.
Levinge keenly observes the transformative power of this initiative, highlighting the profound sense of belonging and unity it instills. He emphasizes, "You get this sense that they feel they're with their people, they feel comfortable. They're not the minority in the group. And all of their personalities start coming out, which is important."
Intriguingly, this innovative endeavor is also cost-effective, which serves as a poignant example to other clubs and associations. Levinge elaborates, "It's probably one of the cheaper places to play. And then with Mangrove Jack, through our grants and sponsorship, we're pulling players in who aren't affiliated with any clubs, and we're paying for them."
Bowie, Faye, and their fellow teammates find themselves at the precipice of a momentous occasion—the World Cup unfolding in their homeland. While this global spectacle has spurred their interest in the sport, it simultaneously underscores the need for progress. The disparity remains glaring, with Australia's squad comprising only two players of indigenous heritage, Kyah Simon and Lydia Williams, both yet to grace the field. The parallel narrative is mirrored within Australia's men's side.
The state of Queensland, where Mangrove Jack has its roots, is predominantly NRL territory, while AFL has carved its presence with increasing vigor. Both these sports have witnessed a stronger representation of indigenous populations at both professional and grassroots levels in comparison to football.
The lamentable reality came to light in a 2021 study conducted by the Moriaty Foundation, an Aboriginal community advocacy group. It revealed that the term "Indigenous" scarcely appeared in the Football Federation of Australia's (FFA) vision document, which outlines a long-term perspective. The contrast with other sports becomes pronounced, where Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) have been actively implemented to advance the cause of indigenous representation.
The report underscored the compelling statistics, revealing that 11% of male players and 10% of female players in professional AFL squads are of Indigenous descent. In NRL, the corresponding numbers stand at 12% for males in the top division and an impressive 29% for the male national team.
Despite these challenges, Bowie envisions the World Cup as a catalyst for change, particularly in terms of boosting indigenous female participation in football. "I can't really say that it will. But I really do hope so. For a lot of kids, it could pull them out of dark areas."
The wounds of discrimination and the resulting socio-economic disparities endured by indigenous communities remain an ongoing struggle in Australia, a nation marked by its colonial past. The recognition bestowed upon indigenous culture and heritage has taken time to manifest, with the recent inclusion of traditional 'Welcome to Country' ceremonies and the display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the World Cup matches serving as symbolic steps forward.
The significance of this recognition is deeply personal, particularly for individuals like Levinge, who have witnessed the evolution of acceptance over their lifetimes. Notably, the suppression of indigenous culture, rooted in fear and stigma, has shaped the trajectory of generations.
Amidst the ongoing discourse in Australia, centred around the 'Australian Indigenous Voice' referendum, the nation grapples with the prospect of altering its constitution to elevate the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Against this backdrop, the sport becomes a conduit for change, one that offers hope for a brighter future.
As the World Cup unfolds on home soil, a broader transformation awaits. The spark ignited in places like Runaway Bay is poised to evolve into a roaring fire, igniting a resurgence in indigenous participation and catalysing change within the landscape of Australian football.
Read the full article here.
Photo Courtesy Deutsche Welle
Courtesy Deutsche Welle
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