The NSW Mid North Coast will field a girls team for the first time at the First Nations Football Festival in Dubbo on October 9-10, with players designing Aboriginal artwork for their jerseys.
The nine-player squad, named the Mitjigan's, meaning Little Girls in Gathang — the language of the Birpai Nation — will compete with support from Reflections North Haven.
Birpai woman and team coach Kayla Clark assembled the squad specifically for the tournament, with some players attending the festival for the first time.
The players come from Birpai Country on the Mid North Coast, with many involved in Football North Coast representative squads and local clubs, including the Camden Haven Redbacks.
Some train or play four days a week, and Ms Clark's daughter Jai'ahlie is among the squad.
Ms Clark outlined the players' commitment and how the team was selected.
"The word 'Mitjigan' may mean 'little' but the girls' dedication to the game and their talent is beyond their years," she said.
"We've developed this team especially for the Dubbo competition.
"Football North Coast nominated some of the players and throughout this season we've been watching some of them to see who we can pull in."
One player is nine years old, below the competition's minimum age of 10, but organisers granted an exception because of her ability.
The team has been fundraising to help cover the trip to Dubbo, while Reflections North Haven's sponsorship will help meet uniform costs.
The girls designed the Aboriginal artwork on their jerseys during a creative workshop organised by Ms Clark, who owns KJC Aboriginal Artwork.
Ms Clark appealed for community support to help every player make the trip.
"Travelling to Dubbo for the tournament is a significant financial commitment for our families and we are seeking community support to help reduce the cost of participation and ensure every girl has the opportunity to attend," she said.
"By supporting our team, you are helping to promote positive outcomes for Aboriginal young people and contribute to closing the gap through sport, culture, and opportunity."
The team received their uniform kits at Reflections North Haven on Saturday.
Local Aboriginal Elder Uncle Bill performed a smoking ceremony, while Uncle Ian Bell and Brice Hayward shared culture with the girls through a traditional ochre paint-up.
The Mitjigan's also held a soccer session at the park during the first week of the school holidays, encouraging young guests to participate.
Reflections North Haven park manager, Craig Rumbelow, welcomed the opportunity to support the team and connect players with guests.
"We're proud to sponsor the Mitjigan's at the Festival competition, and we're also excited that they'll visit our park in the holidays to have some fun with our young guests and share their culture," Mr Rumbelow said.
Reflections Holidays had already partnered with KJC Aboriginal Artwork, which created prizes for the Surf Reflections competition.
The organisation operates on 12 First Nations lands and is delivering its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan under Reconciliation Australia's framework.
Its activities include sharing Aboriginal culture through school holiday programs, bush tucker gardens and cultural walking trails.
NSW Minister for Lands, Sport and Tourism, Steve Kamper, wished the team success and recognised those who helped make the trip possible.
"It's fantastic to see a Mid North Coast girls team heading to the First Nations Football Festival for the first time, giving these young players the chance to compete, represent their communities and celebrate their culture," Mr Kamper said.
"Sport can open doors for young people, building confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging, and it's great to see Reflections and the wider community getting behind the Mitjigan's and helping make this opportunity possible."
