MetroStars announce inaugural NPL football Indigenous event in South Australia

MetroStars would like to announce that its first dedicated Indigenous themed game will be played at TK Shutter Reserve on Friday the 7th of May between MetroStars and Croydon Kings. This match is officially sanctioned by Football South Australia and forms part of Round 4 of the 2021 National Premier League season.

MetroStars embrace and celebrate the contribution of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to our game, and pledges to take significant action to break down the barriers for indigenous people in the sport.

A plan has been put into place to ensure indigenous engagement is put at the forefront of development into our great game.

This includes our work through the Aboriginal Football Academy, generating awareness of NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week through our social media platforms, all of which is underpinned by our Statement of Reconciliation published on our website.

In doing so, we build and create greater awareness, education and stronger ties throughout our community.

While commonplace in other football codes, this event is not prevalent in soccer and our hosting of this event will be another first for soccer in South Australia.

There is a strong sporting rivalry between MetroStars and Croydon FC, whose current head coach is former MetroStars player and coach, Travis Dodd.

Dodd, who also captained A-League side Adelaide United, holds the distinction of scoring the first ever international goal by an Indigenous Australian player.

Dodd during his time at MetroStars helped establish the Aboriginal Soccer Academy, now coached by current MetroStars NPL player Stefan Cali and ex-Croydon player Steven Pepper.

This will be a significant community event with many dignitaries in attendance from Local & State Government, Football South Australia, local sporting media, and traditional Elders.

To generate cultural awareness, we will have a Welcome to Country ceremony, entertainment, and special presentations.

MetroStars would like to thank our Corporate Partner Beyond Bank for making this special community event possible.

Stay tuned for more information to follow in the coming weeks.