NAIDOC-themed soccer balls provide a cultural kick in Mid West

Things have just got a little bit brighter on the field for the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and Football West. With Football West handing out 500 new soccer balls with a design by Broome-based Indigenous artist Hozaus Claire across the State, the corporation has taken delivery of 40, while the Mid West arm of the State soccer body has 20. They were used at the recent Soccer For Change event at the Wonthella five-a-side field. Claire was the winner of a contest Football West held last year, creating a design highlighting Indigenous culture and connection to land. A red line in the design represents First Nations lore and culture, which still strongly continues to strengthen Indigenous people and communities; a yellow line represents knowledge passed on and connections Indigenous people have to Mother Nature; and a green line shows traditional ways to respect country. Other design elements are coloured gold, blue, forest green, orange and black to show desert, sea and other places Indigenous people live, as well as history and elders. “(The corporation) appreciates the donation of footballs from Football West and the Insurance Commission of WA,” GSAC executive Adrian Bartlett said. “The partnership has allowed us to grow the game of soccer to our remote communities, exposing kids to the world game whilst providing a positive opportunity to participate in a healthy, co-ed sporting activity.” The junior association said the Soccer For Change program went off without a hitch last month, despite a heat wave. Participants cooled down on the last day of the clinic, held at Wonthella Bowling Club’s five-a-side turf courts, with a sprinkler and a slippery slide. Football West has announced it is extending this year’s NAIDOC ball design competition until Friday, February 19. The winning design will be printed on 500 footballs along with the Belt Up road-safety message, and the winning artist will receive a $1000 sports voucher and a set of 10 footballs with the printed design.