An Australia-first showcase aimed at finding the next generation of First Nations football talent has kicked off. Using the momentum of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the John Moriarty Football showcase brings players and big names in the football world together - with the aim of increasing representation in the professional game.
"Hi my name is Ella Buie and I'm a goalkeeper, I've been playing since I was six. My older sister started playing and that inspired me to play."
From her home field in Cairns - Ella is training for a trip of a life-time.
She's joining 26 of Australia's promising young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footballers from all over the country - for a first of its kind exhibition match in Sydney - in front of the professional football community.
"Hi my name is Pascoe Binjari, I am 15 years old, I'm from Mornington Island, and the position I play is on the left wing."
"Hello my name is Ceon Dempsey, I'm 15 years old ... and the position I play is right wing, and the soccer player which inspired me to play is Ronaldo. The JMF Talent showcase has got me excited as its one step closer to my dream of being a professional soccer player."
Some, like Ceon and Pascoe from Mornington Island in far north-west Queensland, are pulling on boots for the first time.
John Moriarty Football's Program Manager, Jen Wicks, says they taught themselves to play football.
"They're self-taught from YouTube. They actually haven't played in a structured game, but have accrued an incredible skillset over hours and hours and hours of practice."
Now, the cohort is hoping this opportunity could kickstart their careers - and bring their unique skillsets to the game.
"Kids that are used to looking for dangers, very real, life-threatening dangers that are used to scanning over vast distances - their heads are on a swivel and can see 180 very easily have such an incredible ability already that just doesn't need to be taught."
The showcase is hosted by the John Moriarty Foundation - named after the first Aboriginal football player to be selected to represent Australia.
"This is so much more than just a one-off game or a one-off event. It's really a sustainable kind of legacy piece. I think that for me speaks back to John and when I think of the first Aboriginal player to be selected for Australia, that was an opportunity that changed his life. And so I think, throughout all of this, that has been front and centre of mind. How can we afford an opportunity that may do the same for another young person generations on?"
Proud Gangulu Kanolu woman, Allira Toby made her A-league women's debut at 19 years old and is now helping to pave the way for the next generation.
"The purpose of us doing this is to essentially have representation and to have opportunities. And we want more First Nations kids playing in soccer, especially as high as they want and even in grassroots."
For 14-year old Cydnee Avery,
Who has recently been selected for the Western Sydney Wanderer's Girls Academy - The chance to play in this showcase can't come soon enough.
"I'm very excited to verse other teams and people. Question: And what are your dreams for the future? Play for Matildas or any higher teams and go overseas."
Her Mum, Jess Avery is grateful to the John Moriarty Foundation.
"I appreciate everything that JMF has given to my family, to my girls. Culture for me is everything - They've provided so many opportunities."
A combination of talent and grit, and an opportunity to set goals into motion.
