by Gabriella Vukman and Tanya Steele
On Sunday 14 July, Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club paved the way during NAIDOC week, hosting their first ever First Nations round.
With a $1500 grant from the Telstra Country Footy Grant program to design and produce Indigenous playing jumpers, the club’s focus was on educating their community.
Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club president Brendan Ferguson said the club was proud to host their inaugural First Nations Round during NAIDOC Week.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to honour and integrate First Nations culture into our club,” he said.
“We were excited to share this special occasion with our members, players, and supporters, and we look forward to continuing our journey of respect and inclusion.”
The event was attended by Knox Council’s First Nations Lead Adrian Greenwood along with Knox councillor Meagan Baker and Yarra Ranges councillors Johanna Skelton and Andrew Fullagar.
Purchasing their first Indigenous playing jumpers featuring a design originally created by one of the club’s U16s players Rylan Fitzpatrick and brought to life by local Indigenous artist Maddie Connors, the club’s values of respect and inclusion were front and centre.
The new jumpers were worn by both the U16 Girls and Boys teams on Sunday for the first time.
Mr Ferguson said “using Rylan’s ideas and our club values, Maddie [and Rylan] created a design centred around the footy club as a meeting place, with the lines connecting each player, family and community together.”
“The design shows that while we all come from different places and backgrounds, we can meet and share common connections, with the footy club as a meeting place,” he said.
“This initiative is a part of our broader efforts to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By incorporating Indigenous designs and hosting dedicated events, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture within our community.“
During NAIDOC week the club’s U16s teams were educated about the process of designing the jumper and its meaning as well as the history and significance of NAIDOC week.
Mr Ferguson said teaching the team about the history and significance of the week was a way of not only acknowledging and appreciating the significant contributions of First Nations people but also as a step towards reconciliation.
Sunday’s event included an Acknowledgement of Country conducted by Adrian Greenwood and speakers included the club’s president.
Councillor Johanna Skelton said, “I was invited from the Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club. What made the event all the more special was the fact that it wasn’t organised by council, it was community led which was wonderful to see. “
“The event was a really great and positive opportunity for the club to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in their clubs and their culture but also just to more broadly celebrate the history and cultures and achievements of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander People,” Cr Skelton said.
“Events like this really help to make places like sporting clubs a more safe and welcoming place for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal families to attend. I think showing that clubs want to be involved in events like this demonstrates that they respect and care about history and show that they know that there are those continuing cultural connections.”
Stipulating that she was “very excited to go”, Cr Skelton said, “there is such a special relationship between sport and NAIDOC week.”
“There might not be very many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in that club, but it provides a chance for people to show that they are an ally and that they are supportive,” Cr Skelton said.
“We all have a role in ‘keeping the fire burning’ and celebrating and recognising that history and current day connection.”
