Jamie Gosling Football Academy is proud to announce the next round of Far North Queensland’s first ever soccer scholarship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
The 12-month scholarships, which begin in Term 4 (October-December 2019) and are valued at $800 each, will see local Indigenous children 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, has already seen four Indigenous children successfully complete the year-long scholarships, based at Stratford Football Club.
Last year’s recipient – Julianna-Bree Talbot-Cooke – has since made the Under 15 Girls Peninsula representative team, as well as starring for Cairns State High School as they made history by becoming the first Cairns school to qualify for the Bill Turner Trophy national final.
JGFA is now calling for nominations from FNQ football clubs and the local football community to identify other talented Indigenous players, as well as sponsors for the innovative program.
JGFA Director of Football Jamie Gosling said Cairns Colonial Club Resort had already come on board as a sponsor of the program in 2019, with the hope of further sponsors signing on to help expand the program.
“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.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Cairns Colonial Club Resort for coming on board as a program sponsor and helping to make it happen.
“We’re also hoping to attract extra sponsors, 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."
Cairns Colonial Club Resort General Manager Damian Lyth said he was delighted to partner with JGFA on the innovative opportunity for Indigenous children.
“We’re excited to be part of such an awesome program. Great work Jamie and the team at JGFA,” he said.
Parents, guardians, coaches and community members are now encouraged to send in applications for interested children.
Deadline for applications is Sunday 15 September 2019, with successful applicants to be notified by Friday 20 September 2019. Applications can be made at www.jgfa.com.au/indigenous
If you have any questions or require further information about the JGFA Indigenous Scholarship Program, visit www.jgfa.com.au/indigenous, email info@jgfa.com.au or call Jamie on 0450 181 626.