Football West this week held a signing ceremony for two Aboriginal Community Soccer Program ambassadors in the Pilbara.
James Dixon and Braiden Irwin will deliver grassroots and community engagement programs and will engage with Indigenous youngsters in Roebourne, Wickham, Karratha and nearby communities.
James is from the Pinjarup/Goreng and Balardung people language group and Braiden is from the Ngarluma language group.
The ceremony was conducted in presence of traditional owners Patrick Churnside and Kerry Churnside, who are from the Ngarluma and Yinjibarndi language groups.
Patrick, who is the cultural advisor at Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, said: “It’s great to see young Indigenous leaders like James and Braiden stepping up to become sports ambassadors. We need more of our young people like this to lead positive examples in our communities. The boys are going to help Football West better connect with more of the young people in the region.”
Football West Community Participation Officer – Pilbara Sarthak Mishar said: “Both James and Braiden have demonstrated a strong will to be involved with the local Aboriginal community and are looking forward to bridge health and wellbeing gaps through football.”
James and Braiden signed on Wednesday, which marked the end of 2021 National Reconciliation Week.
Filed Under: Community News