Port Augusta Indigenous Participation Visit

Popular football figurehead and current Indigenous Adelaide United Captain - Travis Dodd together with W-League Perth Glory Captain Tanya Oxtoby, were the main attractions at the Indigenous Participation Day recently held on Saturday 30th May at Braddock Park Oval, Port Augusta.

Popular football figurehead and current Indigenous Adelaide United Captain - Travis Dodd together with W-League Perth Glory Captain Tanya Oxtoby, were the main attractions at the Indigenous Participation Day recently held on Saturday 30th May at Braddock Park Oval, Port Augusta.

Both Travis and Tanya provided approximately 50 Indigenous children aged between 10-16 years, an opportunity to showcase their football ability, in hope of possible selection to compete at the Indigenous Football Festival in Townsville.

A key initiative of the National Football Development Plan is a 10 year Indigenous Football Development Program (IFDP). This new program provides talented identified Indigenous players a football pathway for future success. The main focus of the IFDP is an annual Indigenous Football Festival catering for both boys and girls aged 13-16 years. The long term goal of the IFDP is to increase the number of Indigenous people participating in Football and also at the A-League, W-League and National Team levels.

Children from Pt Augusta and also surrounding areas including Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Whyalla and Adelaide were in attendance, in some cases making the 4.5 hour journey to be part of the Development Program. Mentor coaches Dodd and Oxtoby conducted coaching sessions including juggling, passing and receiving, dribbling and basic technique skills. The duo also lead the children in small sided games, while a full scaled feature match saw both boys and girls competing in 11 v 11 game play.

Adelaide United gear including polo-s, match socks, stickers and posters were readily available for all participating players to have autographed by Travis, while Perth Glory merchandise was also distributed by Tanya to the Indigenous community.

A successful day was had by all, with thanks to John Mundy (FFSA), Leonard Lester, Zoran Kurbafinski, Russell Coultard and Belichia Saunders for their support and assistance on the day. Special thanks for all parents and family who provided transport, and lastly, the Indigenous children for their time and efforts on the park.