Inaugural Naitanui Cup a great success

More than 100 Indigenous and multicultural footballers showcased their athleticism and skills at the inaugural Nic Naitanui Cup held on Friday, November 17 at Leederville Oval.

Seven teams made up of Naitanui Academy program participants battled it out for the Cup in a round-robin tournament. East Perth White claimed the Cup after defeating a spirited Swan Districts outfit.

There were three teams from East Perth, one from the Perth district and Swan Districts and two from Subiaco.

Designed by the WA Football Commission (WAFC) and West Coast Eagles, the Cup provides a talent identification opportunity to Indigenous and multicultural players aged 12 to 15, linking them to the WAFL and AFL pathways.

WAFC Community Development Manager Isaac Stewart said the Naitauni Cup produces significant outcomes for WA Football.

“The Cup provides exciting players from many different backgrounds including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Sudanese and Vietnamese the opportunity to showcase their footy skills in front of WAFC Talent Managers and West Coast Eagles Game Development staff,” he said.

“Fan development, club participation and talent identification are some of the fantastic outcomes this event achieves and we hope the expansion of the Naitanui In-School and After-School Programs will drive more Youth football participation and strengthen the WAFL and AFL development pathway.”

The WAFC wishes to recognise its key partners including the Chung Wah Association, City of Perth, City of Vincent, Edmund Rice Centre, Indian Society of WA, John Carey MLA, Tim Hammond MP and West Coast Eagles for supporting the 2017 Naitanui Cup.

Naitanui Academy Program:

• The Naitanui In-School program was developed by the WAFC & West Coast Eagles to promote AFL to culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) boys aged 11-15.
• The program is delivered to more than 2,000 students at the following schools: Aranmore Catholic College, Ellenbrook Secondary College, St Norberts College, Lynwood Senior High School, Kiara College and Balga Senior High School
• The Naitanui After-School program was delivered in Term 4 at Altone Park, Ashfield Reserve, Barry Britton Reserve and Queens Park Reserve to develop the CaLD kids’ football skills ahead of the Naitanui Cup