Sydney FC and partner school Endeavour Sports High have teamed up with John Moriarty Football in a new initiative that will see talented young JMF players aged 12-15, relocate to Sydney from remote NT, to pursue their education and football.
The Sky Blues’ partnership comes off the back of a highly successful Indigenous Football Week that took place in the lead up to our Round 25 home match against Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium.
Sydney FC Academy Director Kelly Cross said he was excited by the opportunities the partnership presents.
“The Sydney FC Academy is proud to join with JMF and our football program at Endeavour Sports High School in order to create exciting opportunities for talented young indigenous players.
“Sydney FC is a family club, a place for everyone, and our many initiatives towards inclusion have been well documented. This partnership, however, is not just about inclusion and ‘football for all’, but is also a real talent identification strategy.
“I am sure there are future stars waiting to be discovered and I genuinely look forward to seeing one of these youngsters wearing the Sky Blue in the years ahead.”
John Moriarty, namesake of JMF and the first Indigenous player selected for Australia, said the partnership with the Sky Blues would aid in developing those indigenous players who already showcase emerging talent.
“We know our young players have exciting raw talent,” he said.
“What they need is a nurturing environment where we can fast track their skills and game development, and support their education and wellbeing. This key partnership with Endeavour Sports High School and Sydney FC will help us do that.”
The partnership will kick off with its first students in Term 2, 2017.
For more information on the Sky Blues Academy, visit sydneyfc.com/academy
