Following on from the success of Football Federation Victoria’s inaugural Indigenous State Carnival in November 2011, FFV announced two upcoming Indigenous football gala events.
The first will run over two days, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 September at Ballarat High School with the focus on small-sided football for 5 – 11 year olds. This will be part of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) Statewide Junior Sports Carnival, which sees children play football, Australian Rules and Netball.
Following this will be the Indigenous Youth Football Tournament on Friday 5 October at Arndell Park in Truganina for 12 – 18 year olds.
Both tournaments have a strong emphasis on fun and participation, though there is an extra incentive for the winners in the Under 13 boys and girls age groups to travel to Alice Springs in November to play in the National Indigenous Football Festival.
Over 300 players are set to attend across both tournaments, travelling from around Victoria to compete.
FFV CEO Mark Rendell said that the goal of the carnivals was to get more people involved in sport and to break down barriers that may prevent participation.
“Football Federation Victoria is dedicated to providing genuine access to the game for all members of the community,” he said.
“To have over 300 Indigenous children playing football is tremendous and I’m sure the event will be a fun day for all involved.”
