In another coup for tomorrow’s Festival of Football at Ron Dine Reserve, some of the nation’s leading Indigenous players have confirmed they will be taking part.
The Festival of Football is an initiative of the Tigers’ Indigenous Football Program (IFP) with the inaugural event held in January 2022.
Lismore’s Shayne Smith and Story Josh Fern, a former local now living in Queensland, will be among the stars to run out for the Indigenous side in the Dharawal Cup game at 5pm against the Camden Tigers Football NSW NPL team – first grade.
“It’s an honour to support the promotion of Indigenous football,’’ says Fern.
“I’m excited to be playing on Dharawal land – I’m very proud to be a part of this,’’ he said.
Shayne Smith echoed the sentiments expressed by Fern.
“They can count me in, I’m a very proud Indigenous man,’’ he said.
“I know about some of IFP staff for a few years, I’ve been in national team camps with them and they are a great bunch of guys.’’
Camden Tigers IFP director Uncle Phil said he was pleased so many indigenous footballers wanted to take part in such a big day.
“This is an important Indigenous football event, so we are looking forward to welcoming these guys to our event at Ron Dine Reserve,’’ he said.
The Indigenous side will again be captained by Keifer Dotti, pictured above.
He carried the Indigenous flag in Football NSW Premier League for many years during a distinguished career.
Now Keifer is happy to be giving back and this will be his second stint in charge of the side for the Dharawal Cup.
The day will kick off with the Welcome to Country ceremony, which will be conducted by Auntie Joyce Mate, followed by three games of football, each featuring an indigenous side taking on the Camden Tigers equivalent.
At 2pm the Lyrebird Cup clash will pit an Indigenous Youth (girls) side with the Camden Tigers.
It will be followed by the Reconciliation Cup at 3.30pm, featuring an Indigenous over 35 men side against the Camden Tigers. Former Socceroo Craig Foster will be playing in this game, as will another former elite player, Mark Bridges.
The main game, for the Dharawal Cup, will kick off at 5pm between an IFP Indigenous Invitation team versus the Camden Tigers first grade side.
Entry to the day is free and everyone’s invited.
