Wreck Bay Sharks FC President and Tournament Director, Bernie McLeod said: “The Wreck Bay Football Club are proud to be given the opportunity to host the Inaugural National Indigenous Football Championships. This event has become more than a football tournament it’s been a people’s movement from the Indigenous community, the football fraternity and government.”
“Today we are proud to announce our tournament ambassadors, Sydney FC and Matildas striker Kyah Simon, Brisbane Roar defender and former Socceroos defender Jade North, former Indigenous football world cup representative Harry Williams, former Socceroos midfielder and SBS Chief Football Analyst, Craig Foster and former National Soccer League champion and current Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper.
Kyah Simon said: "Being an Ambassador for the Inaugural National Indigenous Football Tournament is a great honour and I hope to inspire other Aboriginal people to set goals and follow their dreams in a sport that has given me some great opportunities, friendships and experiences”.
“This is a great opportunity for Indigenous people to showcase their talents through football and have them recognised on a larger scale. I hope that we will have more Aboriginal people entering the W-League, A-League, and National Teams in years to come."
Jade North said: "I feel privileged to have been asked to be an ambassador and represent my people for what is a great concept. It will give all Indigenous players from across the nation an opportunity to get involved in a large tournament and showcase their talent. There was nothing like this when I was growing up so I will be excited to see all my people come together."
Harry Williams said: "I'm honoured and privileged to be an Ambassador for the National Indigenous Football Championships. To finally have a national football competition to select an Australian Indigenous representative men and women teams to develop nationally and compete internationally will be a dream come true."
Craig Foster said: “I’m delighted to support this tournament as part of growing the game among Indigenous communities all over Australia and look forward to seeing an enjoyable and highly competitive week of football."
Andy Harper said: “This event will provide Indigenous people a special platform for making dreams come true – not only to represent your family and community but an opportunity to be selected into representative teams.”
Wreck Bay Sharks FC are also proud to announce the as event partners.
Jamie Warren, JWFF Chairman said: “We are very honoured and proud to work with the Wreck Bay Sharks FC and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football communities and thank Bernie McLeod and his team for the opportunity. We look forward to playing our part in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander playing talent is given every opportunity to succeed just as Johnny Warren would have wanted.”
