"Two day soccer clinic ran by the Matildas coach was a tremendous success attracting more than 100 kids, boys and girls, each day."
Last month Aboriginal children from the remote NT town of Borroloola attended a two-day soccer clinic run by Matildas’ coach Alen Stajcic.
The kids at the soccer clinic were all regular participants in the JMF program (John Moriarty Football), a for-purpose charity named after its’ founder, Borroloola-born John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal footballer selected for Australia.
Founded in 2011, JMF program is delivered by The Nangala Project, an initiative that enables Aboriginal families and communities to unlock the potential of their children through soccer.
JMF is co-chaired by John Moriarty and Ros Moriarty, the founders of Balarinji, the design studio best known for covering Qantas aircraft with Aboriginal art.
JMF enjoys the support of some of the most influential figures in soccer in Australia including SBS's Craig Forster, Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, Socceroos top scorer Tim Cahill and many more .
"Both AFL and NRL commit tremendous efforts and resources to develop Indigenous talent while soccer is lagging behind."
JMF Board member Craig Foster said “It is important for Aboriginal Australians to have the chance to show the world what they can achieve, but also important for the nation."
"There is no better place to do so than in a Socceroos or Matildas shirt. This is not only about talent, it is about showcasing the beauty and wonder of Indigenous Australia through the global game.”
John Moriarty said “the two-day soccer clinic was a tremendous success attracting more than 100 kids, boys and girls, each day at the training sessions from morning to dark with many of the kids playing bare feet all day.”
Over the years, John Moriarty noticed that young Aboriginal kids are naturally gifted for soccer and they love the sport. Their fondness is further increased by success stories like Shadeene Evans'.
Affectionately known as ‘Shay’, Shadeene Evans has become an icon many kids want to emulate.
Shay's dream journey started when JMF sent her on a life-changing trip to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"Shay was so inspired by this trip she now wants to play with the Matildas and represent Australia", John Moriarty says.
She is currently training in Sydney under the auspices of Alen Stajcic and is on course to one day represent Australia on the world stage.
Her example is testimony that grassroots projects can develop talents who can perform and excel on local, state, national as well as international levels.
It is hoped that Shay’s success with the Matildas and their successful partnership with Indigenous communities can be replicated in men's football through the Socceroos.
John Moriarty commends Alen Stajcic as Australia’s first national football coach to take a look at remote region Indigenous talent. He believes this level of cooperation is important for Indigenous participation in the sport.
"Both AFL and NRL commit tremendous efforts and resources to develop Indigenous talent while soccer is lagging behind". But, John Moriarty is confident the tide is changing gradually.
