The A-League’s newest franchise, Macarthur FC has announced it will run the first Indigenous football academy in Australia during the official launch of the club on Wednesday.
Entering the competition in the 2020/21 season, the Macarthur FC Bulls, which sits on the land of the Dharawal people in south-west Sydney, will also establish an Indigenous advisory council, the only club in the A-League to do so.
Worimi man, Professor John Maynard will chair the council and said the club’s acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land was the "the right way of doing business."
“This club is showcasing the way of doing things and practising with Indigenous communities," he said.
“It is the club’s target to have a national Indigenous development strategy that is not just focused on sporting success, but prioritising the importance of health, education and well-being outcomes for community.
“These things are critical if you want to have success working with Aboriginal people in the community,” he said.
The club colours of black gold and white, represent the diverse cultures of the area.
“Ochre is chosen to represent one of the traditional colours for the local Dharawal Aboriginal people on whose land the Macarthur region sits," the club said.
Hosting of the launch, Simon Hill further explained the inspiration behind the design of the new club.
“Predominantly black and white, the touches of ochre pay homage to the Dharawal heritage, an identity that will live on through the Academy team," Mr Hill said.
“The three stars represent the A-League team, the affiliated National Premier League teams and community football." he said.
Mcarthur FC will call Campbelltown Stadium its home, with a training headquarters to be based at a new Centre of Excellence which is currently under construction.
