The Moriarty Foundation is announcing that the annual Indigenous Football Week, now in its fourth edition, is this year running from November 2-10 with Football NSW’s headquarters Valentine Sports Park to spearhead its celebrations on Tuesday November 5th.

The theme for 2019 is “Ground up – developing Indigenous coaches.”

Indigenous Football Week, a John Moriarty Football initiative, in partnership with Football Federation Australia (FFA), Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), SBS, NITV, and FOX Sports, advocates the change football can drive, and highlights exceptional Indigenous talent.

As explained by John Moriarty himself, the first Indigenous footballer selected for Australia,

“Indigenous Football Week provides a perfect opportunity for the football community to come together to promote the importance of holistic training, including health, nutrition, and well-being; arming our coaches with knowledge and know-how that they can apply daily back in our communities.”

The Morrison Government recently recognised John Moriarty Football as a best practice approach by the Department of Health, allocating funding to the expansion of its Northern Territory pilot to multiple communities across New South Wales and Queensland over the next three years.

Expansion began in both States in July and the focus this Indigenous Football Week will be to mentor and upskill local community coaches from across these regions through a week of intensive coaching clinics in Sydney.

Aligning with the FFA curriculum and collaborating with Football NSW and FFA, we welcome the involvement of Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers FC, and Central Coast Mariners in coach education for our local teams.

Internationally renowned sports psychologist Dr. Noel Blundell will be supporting Moriarty Foundation during the week, hosting a program designed to assist coaches in recognising the key Emotional Intensity Levels of their players; vital skills that allow players to capitalise not only on their renowned talents, but also, importantly, help enhance their whole life skills development.

“It is exciting to be a part of Indigenous Football Week, to assist the Moriarty Foundation coaches so that they may pass on these vital skills to their teams and communities,” states Dr. Blundell, who has helped maximise the talent of 23 World and Olympic Champions over his 30 year career.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive David Gallop AM says, “FFA has been a supporter of John Moriarty Football for several years now and are thrilled to once again be involved in the JMF Indigenous Football Week. This week is a showcase of the positive work done throughout the year in creating awareness and opportunities for indigenous footballers, coaches and administrators across the country.”

Valentine Sports Park will be the place to celebrate the launch of Indigenous Football Week on Tuesday November 5th as the Australian football community embraces its exceptional regional coaches who deliver daily, far from our major cities, to the next generation of Indigenous stars of the game.

Football NSW’s Advanced Coach Development Manager Chris Adams alongside Football NSW’s Game Development Officer for Community Charlotte Ercil will both conduct special coaching seminars to assist with the further promotion of the John Moriarty Football initiative.

About Moriarty Foundation Moriarty Foundation was established in 2012. The original founders are John Moriarty, a Yanyuwa man and the first Indigenous footballer to be selected for Australia, and business owner and author Ros Moriarty. Moriarty Foundation seeks to enable Aboriginal communities and families to unlock their own children’s potential.

About John Moriarty Football (6-16 year olds) A football skills mastery program that uses sport to develop talent and positive change, improve school attendance and achieve resilient, healthier outcomes. Daily training and meals are provided by local coaches. Delivery modes include in school, after school, summer clinics and tournaments, depending on local community needs.

About John Moriarty Football Scholarship Program (12-18 years olds) A unique pathway for athletes with outstanding ability to study and pursue their football aspirations at some of Australia’s most highly rated schools. Students are supported with regular travel back to their community, ongoing tutoring and mentorship.