SEQ Dingoes Set For National Indigenous Championships

Photos by: Yvonne Packbier - MMM Photography

Football Brisbane has provided support to the South East Queensland Dingoes who will be heading to Nowra, NSW on Thursday to take part in the inaugural National Indigenous Football Championships this coming Thursday to Saturday, where they aim to create history in taking out the title. The tournament is set to produce some entertaining football with the country’s best indigenous players coming together in a celebration of sportsmanship, community and culture. The squad comprises a number of players from Brisbane's Capital Leagues and the Flight Centre Premier League including the likes of Ramone Close, Steven Cleary and Chris Swain, along with Caboolture coach Nathan Walker making an appearance.

The squad is also permitted two non-indigenous players and the SEQ Dingoes have drafted in Peninsula Power captain Jared Austin who was on hand to score the only goal in a 1-0 warm-up game success versus a Caboolture Sports XI on Sunday afternoon. Close commented, “Having played at the highest level, the beautiful game has given me everything from educational experiences in teamwork, communication and resilience, to lifelong friendships and opportunities to travel the world; but more importantly, a future with options". He added, “This event will provide more opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous footballers to have the same experiences I was given through football.” While it hasn’t been smooth sailing in organising the squad, with financial and logistical hurdles to overcome, Close said the Dingoes are confident of claiming the ultimate prize. “Our players will be covering their own transport and accommodation costs to be able to take part in this great event,” manager Wayne Alberts said. A significant funding boost from Football Brisbane has helped ease the pressure, as well as financial and on-field support from Caboolture Sports Football Club. “We are hoping the National Indigenous Football Championships will spark football in our Indigenous communities,” said Dingoes’ coach Allan Takken, president of Narangba FC and a long-time supporter of Aboriginal football development. Hosted by the Wreck Bay Football Club, and held in conjunction with Football Federation Australia’s Indigenous Football Development Strategy, the tournament will focus on creating career pathways for players and coaches, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle through sport. The tournament is set to be broadcast on SBS and NITV, and feature an array of entertainment, stalls, children's activities, coaching clinics and the first Johnny Warren Celebrity Football Match, to go with a packed schedule of competitive games, from which the first National Indigenous Team will be selected. Football Brisbane wishes the SEQ Dingoes the best of luck for the tournament. If you'd like to keep up to date with proceedings, you can visit the tournament Facebook page at - www.facebook.com/nationalindigenousfootball

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