Eagles great Kennedy backs Jambinu team for First Nations Indigenous Football Cup

The Football West Jambinu team heads to Queensland next week for the 2024 First Nations Indigenous Football Cup.

The tournament is in its fourth year and will be held at Carmichael Park in Brisbane between 7-9 November.

The WA side consists of players from the Midwest, Karratha and Perth who will compete in the Senior Women’s category.

Football West Regional Lead Tanya Amazzini said: “This is a terrific opportunity for talented indigenous women to represent Western Australia and their communities and compete against teams from across Australia.

“The First Nations Indigenous Football Cup is more than a competition. It is a platform that celebrates and promotes the positive aspects of our players, coaches, and communities while addressing key issues such as health, personal development, education, and employment.

“The trip will provide valuable experiences on and off the pitch that foster personal growth and community engagement.”

The majority of the funding for the 15-player WA side comes from Football West and the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation through the Respect Yourself, Respect Your Culture program.

Football West’s charity partner Football Futures Foundation, KingKira Group, and the JK Foundation, which is chaired by West Coast Eagles premiership winner Josh Kennerdy, are also supporting the trip.

GSAC Executive Officer Adrian Bartlett said: “We are thrilled to partner with Football West once again to offer this incredible opportunity to female indigenous players.  It is inspiring to see indigenous football growing in Geraldton through this tour.  A huge thank you to all our sponsors and best of luck to the girls.”

The team flies to Queensland on Monday and have arranged training sessions and a friendly ahead of the tournament.