Socceroos donate $90,000 in match fees to Indigenous football

On the eve of Australia’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan in Sydney, Socceroos players have shown their support for indigenous football by donating $90,000 of their match payment to John Moriarty Football (JMF).

Young Australian Indigenous footballers from the John Moriarty Football team from Borroloola attended Socceroos training during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil Source: Getty Images

The inaugural Indigenous Football Week initiative will be launched on Tuesday at Allianz Stadium, with JMF joining forces with Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).

The collaboration is a major fundraising initiative for the JMF as they strive to support, train, development and build pathways for Indigenous footballers in remote areas to succeed in Australia.

Tuesday’s launch in Sydney will be attended by the founder of JMF and first Indigenous player to represent Australia, John Moriarty, FFA CEO David Gallop, acting PFA chief Craig Foster, A-League star Jade North, 14 year-old Shadeene Evans -  the first elite athlete to emerge from the JMF program, and young Indigenous kids from remote Borroloola.

“John is one of us. He’s family. A former player who seeks to give his people a better chance. Now John Moriarty Football has the support of the entire profession which gave John his first start and a lifelong love for the game,” Socceroos star Tim Cahill said.

Moriarty said JMF was honoured to have the support of Australia’s professional footballers.  

“I am humbled that the Socceroos, who I hold so dearly, have made a contribution and that the football profession will put its support around our young players, in the same way that the football community embraced me so many years ago and showed me a different life. The ripple effect of change amongst children in remote communities will be immense."

PFA Chairman Foster was glowing in his praise for the national team and their contribution to developing the game in rural Australia.

“The Australian public can be immensely proud that their Socceroos have shown a willingness to personally contribute to an important cause and I am delighted to see the social conscience of all of our members, male and female shining so brightly. They are not only world class professionals but, more importantly, outstanding people," he said.

The JMF program is based in rural Northern Territory, employs local coaches, provides training sessions and games for young players as well as giving them access to education, tournaments and overseas football experiences.