Inaugural Indigenous match kicks off

TWO of Ballarat’s competing junior football clubs united in celebration of a special round last weekend.

The under-17 players from the East Point Junior Football Netball Club and the Sebastopol Football Netball Club played an inaugural Indigenous Match at the Eastern Oval on Sunday, 5 June.

A traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony launched the game, and both Sebastopol and East Point’s players wore new club footy jumpers with Indigenous designs reflecting culture and storytelling.

East Point’s under-17 football coach Matt Stevens was one of the drivers of the match, and said throughout their history, both sides have created pathways to champion young First Nations players in sport.

“We are extremely proud to be able to honour our past and current Indigenous players, and we will continue to celebrate their contribution to our club and embrace the Indigenous culture in our great game,” he said.

“Our players are privileged to be able to wear a jumper designed by past player Delroy Tranter which has a specific traditional meaning for our club.”

Players’ families, friends, and footy fans were encouraged to attend to support the junior clubs in their goal to honour their group’s, and the broader community’s, diversity.