Funding boost for youth program co-founded by trailblazing first Indigenous Socceroo

Jarred Cross Published March 5, 2025 at 4.00pm (AWST)

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NIAA will invest $5.5 million into John Moriarty Football. (Image: supplied)

A First Nations youth sport and wellbeing program co-founded by the first Indigenous player selected to represent Australia in football has been backed by millions in funding to continue their work in remote communities.

John Moriarty Football, born out of his home community of Borroloola in 2012, delivers in-school sessions, clinics, gala days and meals to 5,000 kids annually.

They operate across 18 communities in NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

JMF has been granted $5.5 million in funding from the NIAA backing their efforts, announced on Wednesday.

"We started JMF in 2012 with the goal to use the power of sport and education to open up life-changing opportunities and bring Indigenous kids greater parity with other Australian children, just like it did for me," Mr Moriarty said.

A Stolen Generations survivor, Moriarty progressed through South Australian football during his career, representing the state 17, and is recognised as the first Indigenous player to be selected for the national team.

He was included in Australia's squad for a 1960 tour of Hong Kong, though didn't feature after the matches were cancelled.

Since retirement from football, Moriarty has turned his attention to art and advocacy, holding executive positions in Aboriginal Affairs at state and federal level.

He has also served as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board chair and Australia Council chair and as deputy chair of Indigenous Business Australia.

JMF, overseen by Indigenous Football Australia, operates as an arm of the Moriarty Foundation.

*JMG engages with 2 to 18 year-olds across 18 communities in NSW, Queensland and the NT. (Image: supplied)*

They also provide scholarships and pathways to elite level play.

In 2023, Mr Moriarty was critical of the level of investment into Indigenous football, including from Football Australia.

Co-chair Ros Moriarty says the NIAA investment is recognition of their work.

"This gives us confidence that the nation shares our commitment to breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage for Indigenous children and young people," Ms Moriarty said.

"JMF is supporting our young participants to lead healthy, active lives while engaging in education, as well as giving them a safe, inclusive space where they have a greater chance to reach their potential and have a brighter future."

JMF celebrates what they see as contributing 14 of 17 Closing the Gap targets.