The oldest soccer club in Macarthur, Camden Tigers FC, have pulled off a ground breaking football first, forming a partnership with Indigenous Football Program (IFP).
The IFP Director, Phil Dotti, has applauded the Tigers for their foresight in establishing a pathway for talented Indigenous footballers in the region.
“This is great initiative, there’s no short cuts or short changing here,’’ says Mr Dotti.
“It has been a long process of negotiations and the Tigers have put their cards on the table.
“It’s obvious they see there’s Indigenous football talent here – and it takes very smart operators to see that,’’ he said.
“We will work the Tigers staff and football department to ensure Indigenous kids have a pathway, but also provide an opportunity for other kids to develop their talent.
“The IFP will be more than just kicking a ball around the park and will offer what other football academies and football clubs don’t,’’ he said.
The Tigers, which are celebrating 60 years in 2021, are the only local club that fields sides in the FNSW NPL men’s and women’s competitions, alongside their local community teams in senior and junior competitions.
Their home grounds are based in the Ron Dine Memorial Reserve, South Camden, pictured at bottom
Rod Ciantar, the president of Camden Tigers FC, also lauded the partnership with Phil Dotti and Indigenous Football Program, saying it presented a great opportunity for the club.
“This program is designed to bridge the gap between football and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our community,’’ he said.
“This allows us to identify talented indigenous kids and give them the opportunity to play football in the elite NPL level.’’
This is a fantastic initiative and will be something exciting to look forward to.