Craig Foster Present For AIFC Launch
"We are very honoured and proud to work side by side with the Indigenous communities and thank tournament directors Ramone Close and Lawrence Gilbert for the partnership that will see us host the 2018 Australian Indigenous Football Championships at our new venue in Logan." This was Football Brisbane General Manager, Craig Morris's opening statement at the recent launch for the national tournament that will see high profile senior football representatives and indigenous footballers come together from across the country to ignite an indigenous football flame in our zone in November. Whilst the Australian Indigenous Football Championships (AIFC) will work towards identifying talent, plans are also underway to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to reach their full potential through the coordination of footballing programs across the state. Newly appointed Football Brisbane Indigenous Ambassador, Ramone Close said: "This is the start of big things for indigenous football, with two indigenous players securing semi-professional contracts with Olympic FC and Peninsula Power FC." The launch on Monday at the Logan Metro Sports Park also welcomed former Socceroo and SBS commentator Craig Foster; Jamie Warren - President of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation; first indigenous Socceroo Brian Brown, and Logan City Councillor Steve Swenson. Foster praised Football Brisbane on the appointment of Ramone Close as Indigenous Ambassador and on the initiatives to develop and grow the game within the indigenous community. He was also full of praise for Logan City Council for their investment and development of the new facilities and infrastructure that sees Football Brisbane and Brisbane Roar, as well as Football QLD, all located within the Logan region, providing a great opportunity to grow the game. Foster also stated with regards to the Australian Indigenous Football Championships and the initiatives announced that our indigenous kids need The World Game. "They take to the game so naturally and there is a huge pool of indigenous talent." He added, "If they are going to play sport, then why aren't they going to play the sport that could see them play world cups for the Socceroos or Matildas." Foster finished by saying, "This is one step towards a very bright future for the indigenous game, well done to everyone and I'm delighted to be involved." Mr Morris emphasised the plans for indigenous football by saying, "This was an area of the game we identified as very important to us; that our game is open to everybody, with indigenous involvement being one step towards that. This is just the first step and we welcome everyone to come along to the Australian Indigenous Football Championships in November.
He added, "After the championships in November, we will follow up by building upon that by ensuring opportunities and pathways exist for indigenous footballers." The Australian Indigenous Football Championships will take place in November and is set feature 32 men's and women's teams. For further information about the tournament, contact Tournament Director Ramone Close on 0452 565 591.
You can some of Monday's launch below:
