First Nations festival of cup football

Teams from every state and territory in Australia are heading to North Lakes this week for the First Nations Indigenous Football Cup.

The Lakes FC is hosting the tournament, at Kinsellas Sports Complex, in its last event before merging with North Lakes Mustangs and becoming North Lakes United.

More than 20 senior teams and eight youth sides will be taking part in the First Nations Indigenous Cup, from November 3-5.

It will include a Welcome to Country by the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers Australia and official opening ceremony on Thursday.

Men’s and Women’s open division matches Thursday to Saturday as well as an Under 12-13 and Under 14-15 tournament, Reconciliation match and presentation on Saturday.

Director Damien Munday said: “This has become more than a football tournament, it’s been a people’s movement from the Indigenous communities, football fraternity and government.”

Australian Indigenous Football Council, Chairperson Lawrence Gilbert said the event would “provide Indigenous people with a special platform for making dreams come true – not only to represent your family and community but a chance to be selected into representative teams”.

The Lakes FC Vice-President Emma Moorhouse thanked Queensland Indigenous Football for bringing the First Nations Cup to Kinsellas this year. 

"It is an honour to be part of such a significant event for First Nations players to come together and share culture through the world game. A special event not to be missed," she said.

"Our North Lakes Community is encouraged to come down and watch some great football and enjoy the atmosphere, stalls and food from the 2022 Canteen of the Year - Kinsellas Kafe!"

Mayor Peter Flannery said the Moreton Bay Region was “excited to host first nations peoples across Australia” and “showcase their culture through the World Game”.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said sport “is a great way to bring people together especially the Indigenous peoples of Australia”.

Tournament ambassadors include former Brisbane Roar and Moreton Bay United forward Allira Toby and ex-Socceroos Craig Foster and Travis Dodd.

“This event is a great opportunity for Indigenous people to showcase their talents through football and have them recognised on a larger scale,” Toby said.

“I hope we will have more Aboriginal people entering the W-League, A-League and National teams in years to come.” 

TV commentator Craig Foster is “delighted” to support the tournament as part of growing the game among Indigenous communities all over Australia”.

Travis Dodd said there was “nothing like this” when growing up and he will be excited “to see all my people come together".