GOORI Football - Regional Skills Development Program

A standout success story from GOORI Football is Kyren Walters, Tyrell Paulson, Lachlan Wright, Piari Anderson and Legion Walker, talented young players from regional areas in Australia who progressed to play at the highest levels in school football and club football. Beyond individual achievements, GOORI Football has fostered cultural pride, social resilience, and stronger community connections, addressing the unique challenges faced by remote Indigenous communities.

In partnership with PCYC Queensland, GOORI Football delivered programs to remote communities, including Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, and Cherbourg. These programs nurtured local talent and culminated in a futsal tournament in Hervey Bay, creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage in sport and showcase their abilities.

The initiative has gained national recognition, with its impact featured on Fox Sports and contributing to marketing Australia’s successful bid to host the Women’s World Cup through its program content. By celebrating Indigenous culture and developing young talent, GOORI Football is paving the way for a brighter future for players and their communities.

The video below is of Ramone Close in 2017 yarning with Football Brisbane about the journey of Brisbane Warrigals from it's establishment in 2016 along with attending the first ever National Indigenous Football Championships in Nowra, NSW in 2016.

Brisbane Warrigals - Community Football Club and Program

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Established in 2016, Brisbane Warrigals is a proud community football club that provides Indigenous players with a platform to showcase their talent while building pathways in education, careers, and sport. Rooted in culture and community, the club has a strong commitment to developing both its players and its governance, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.

Brisbane Warrigals actively participates in the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships, offering players opportunities to excel on the field and beyond. While the team is primarily focused on supporting Indigenous athletes, two non-First Nations players are also welcomed, reflecting a spirit of inclusion and mutual respect.

Through its dedication to fostering talent and leadership, Brisbane Warrigals is more than a football club—it’s a vehicle for positive change and growth in the lives of its players and their communities.

This community project is supported by We Plan Together.

The video below is of Ramone Close in 2017 yarning with Football Brisbane about the journey of Brisbane Warrigals from it's establishment in 2016 along with attending the first ever National Indigenous Football Championships in Nowra, NSW in 2016.

Jiinda Magic - Community Football Club

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Proud Gumbaynggirr Women - Kirrilly Phillips establishment Jiinda Magic in 2018, which has been a beacon of opportunity for Indigenous women young and old, empowering them to pursue school, career, and sporting pathways. With a focus on cultural pride and excellence, Jiinda Magic plays a key role in the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships, creating opportunities for players to excel in a competitive environment while connecting with their heritage. 

The club has grown significantly, strengthening its governance and building a supportive community around its players. 

Jiinda Magic is more than a football team—it’s a nurturing community that supports players on and off the field, helping them realise. their full potential in life and sport.

This community project is supported by We Plan Together.​

The video below is of Ramone Close in 2022 with Jiinda Magic who entered a Mens team in the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships that year. 

Australian Indigenous Football Championships

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The Australian Indigenous Football Championships (AIFC), launched in 2018, was a national tournament celebrating First Nations talent and culture in football. The event attracted 12 men’s and 12 women’s Indigenous teams from across Australia and was supported by major organizations such as Brisbane Roar, Football Queensland, and local councils. It earned the prestigious Logan Sports Award for Best Event, reflecting its impact on the community. Over its four-year run, the AIFC became a significant platform for Indigenous athletes, showcasing exceptional talent and fostering cultural pride before being rebranded as the Queensland Indigenous Football Championships.

The video below was put together by Football Queensland in support of the Australian Indigenous Football Championships in 2019.

GOORI Lifestyle - Sporting House Skills Development Program

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A notable success story is Legion Walker, a young player from Mornington Island who progressed to play for Southport School, compete in club football on the Gold Coast, and even participate in a football trip to Germany. Beyond sport, the initiative fostered cultural pride, social resilience, and community connection, addressing challenges faced by remote Indigenous communities. It has also gained national recognition, with its impact featured on Fox Sports and contributing to marketing Australia’s successful Women’s World Cup hosting bid through our program content. By celebrating Indigenous culture and nurturing talent, GOORI Football is helping build a brighter future for young players and their communities.​

This photo was taken in 2018 at Clontarf State School, QLD with GOORI LIfestyle Athlete Tyrell Paulson, Craig Foster (SBS), John Auld (Furnx & GOORI Co-Founder), Ramone Close (GOORI Co-Founder), Legion Walker (Mornington Island).