Described by FIFA as a powerful recognition of diversity and anti-discrimination values through football, JMF was one of three finalists for the 2018 FIFA Diversity Award - the first Australian organisation to achieve the honour, as Kenya’s Horn of Africa Development Initiative (HODI) took out the top prize.
The other nominee was the United Kingdom-based’s Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC).
JMF is in its seventh year of continuous delivery in remote communities.
The program brings together 6-16 year old children through football, promoting education, good health and wellbeing in some of the country’s most socially challenged regions.
“An important part of our mission is allowing these children to become an individual with a clear vision and aspiration so they can see the future themselves,” John Moriarty said.
“The game did so much for me, and I hope football can bring a brighter future to the young players our program works with.
“We are humbled by this international recognition. It’s a reflection of the dedication of our coaches, staff, supporters and partners, who deliver the program day in, day out in the bush, and who support our Sydney scholarship holders."
John Moriarty Football is a grassroots delivery to more than 100 children in the remote NT communities of Borroloola and Robinson River.
The program is set to expand to more locations. A Sydney scholarships program has piloted elite football pathways for five young players since 2015.
Inaugural scholarship holder, 17-year-old Shay Evans, became the first JMF footballer to be selected for Australia when she debuted for the Young Matildas in April 2018.
JMF Leadership Team member, Fiona Hekking, told the FIFA audience in London that JMF prepares young players in the program to be the best they can possibly be in school, in sport and in life.
“We show them we believe in their unique talents and strengths and support them with our wellbeing methodologies, mentoring and connected relationships,” she said.
“We apply our principles equally to our grassroots players, as well as those of our athletes with the potential to represent nationally and internationally. The majority of children in our program will use football simply for a healthier physical, social, mental and emotional future.”