First Nations Telegraph

Jamie Gosling Football Academy is proud to announce the latest recipient of Far North Queensland’s first ever soccer scholarship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

 

The 12-month scholarships are valued at $1,000 each and see local Indigenous footballers aged between 6-14 years offered free elite coaching and mentoring at the region’s number one soccer academy.

 

The program, which began in 2017 and is celebrating its fifth year, has already seen 11 Indigenous children successfully complete the scholarships, based at Holloways Beach Sporting Complex.

 

This year, the chosen player from 18 applicants was 11-year-old Ella Buie, sponsored by Roy and Vandama Jindal from Cairns Dental Boutique.

 

One of the previous scholarship recipients – Julianna-Bree Talbot-Cooke – has had an incredible start to her 2022 season having played for the Australian Indigenous Koalas football team, and moving to Brisbane to play for the Under 23 Peninsula Power NPL side.

 

JGFA will be calling for nominations later in the year from FNQ football clubs and the local football community to identify other talented Indigenous players for 2023, as well as sponsors for the innovative program.

 

JGFA Director of Football Jamie Gosling said Cairns Dental Boutique has been kind enough to sponsor the Program this year, and gives Ella the chance to learn and improve at the Academy for the year.

 

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity for junior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football players in the Cairns region," said Jamie.

 

“We’ve already seen this year a big improvement in Ella’s play and confidence. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Dr Roy and Vandama at Cairns Dental Boutique, (Edge Hill) for coming on board as program sponsors and helping to make it happen for amazing kids like Ella.

 

“We’re also hoping to attract extra sponsors next year, so we can provide more Indigenous players the chance to train and play at a higher level.

 

“When I’m at Endeavour Park on a Saturday watching junior games, I always notice how many talented Indigenous players I see playing football. 

 

"I've also run football programs for Indigenous children at Cairns West State School and have previously held clinics for children from Weipa, and I really enjoy enhancing their love for football.

 

“Often, these children are not offered the same development opportunities other children are through academy programs such as JGFA.

 

“I’m passionate about making sure kids get equal opportunities, especially those displaying a natural talent for the beautiful game.

 

“JGFA’s mission is to develop these young players with extra specialist coaching for the ultimate benefit of their local clubs and FNQ football in general.

 

“We want to develop them as individuals, and ultimately strengthen junior soccer in the region.

 

“Through this exciting scholarship program, we can offer soccer-mad Indigenous children the chance to develop their game like never before, and will be looking to expand the program in the coming years."

 

Parents, guardians, coaches and community members are encouraged to send in applications for interested children for its 2022 program.

 

Deadline for 2023 applications is Monday 1 November 2022, with successful applicants to be notified early January 2023.

 

Applications can be made at www.jgfa.com.au/indigenous