Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) and Football Far North Coast (FFNC) have designated this weekend's matches as the Indigenous Round.

Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland has outlined this initiative by saying;

“The purpose of the inaugural Indigenous Round is to provide the football community with an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout our game in northern NSW. 

While our game exists within an environment that may be described as eclectic, having a specific focus on the people who are of this land, is what underpins the alignment of football this weekend as a gesture of respect to Indigenous people.

To showcase the important influence of the participants who we acknowledge this weekend, on behalf of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Casey King was invited to share her experience as a proud Widjabul woman from the Bunjalung Nation who is one of an increasing number of players with an indigenous heritage who are actively involved with the World Game.

There are seven players in Casey’s women’s team at Italo Stars FC who identify as being indigenous and it is clear that the connection with their mob is now rightfully celebrated more broadly within the community than ever before. 

Casey King with young indigenous players from Italo Stars FC. Photo: Steve Mackney

Casey was born in Lismore and despite playing several sports as a child, she did not play soccer until she was an adult.

That began an obsession with the game and its now an integral part of family activity, with partner Ben, plus children Archie and Ulai all playing for Italo Stars FC.

Casey’s contribution to the game extends beyond just being a player and in conjunction with fellow Indigenous man and Rovers Premier League defender Shayne Smith, established the Bundjalung Warriors several years ago.

A male squad and a female squad, were formed and each participated in the National Indigenous Tournament that was convened in Logan Queensland, over a three day period in November 2018. 

Casey said that many of the local players had not realised the depth of indigenous players who were involved in soccer across the 24 zone clubs and the opportunity to bring some of this mob from the Bundjalung Nation together, resonated on many levels.

The tournament also saw many mobs come together, through football, that Casey said, can be a challenge in itself and she further recalls how inspiring it was for the hundreds of indigenous (and non-indigenous) people to celebrate their history, through a connection with the land and with each other at a football event.

Casey recalled how former Socceroo captain Craig Foster, and champion advocate of many worthy causes, took time to attend the Indigenous Tournament back in 2018 and personally make time to speak with the mob from the Bundjalung Nation.

Casey speaks of how that simple gesture demonstrated how football can lead society to evolve in regards to being more inclusive and respectful of people, who have for too long been perceived as being different to what has been engrained in many as a consequence of misplaced views about colour of skin, culture, or background.

Football Far North Coast General Manager Steve Mackney added "Growing up with an anglo-saxon bloodline and likely considered to be privileged and educated, I concede that my understanding of our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, is substantially inadequate."

"Despite wanting to believe that I have an innate capacity to “know” people, the opportunity to listen to people like Casey, is a humbling experience."

"Chatting with Casey King was engaging in itself, but the symbolism of the Aboriginal flag, hearing anecdotes of the Widjabul people and just seeing a real spirit in her eyes, left me with a feeling of admiration and respect."

"The purpose of Indigenous Football Week, has a number of objectives and if I may offer one sentiment, it is urge us collectively to treat each other with respect and recognise that a community will only progress if we learn from the past."

This is an appropriate moment to give affirmation that we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.