Nine girls from Birpai Country are heading west to make history, and they designed the jerseys themselves.
The Mitjigan’s will be the first Mid North Coast girls team to play at the First Nations Football Festival in Dubbo on Friday, 9 and Saturday, 10 October.
The squad drew up the Aboriginal artwork that will be splashed across their jerseys. They did it during a creative workshop run by team coach and proud Birpai woman Kayla Clark, owner of small business KJC Aboriginal Artwork.
The team name means Little Girls in Gathang, the language of the Birpai Nation. Reflections North Haven has stepped in as sponsor to help cover the uniform costs.
Ms Clark said the players were cherry-picked, and some will be competing at the Festival for the first time.
“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 of the girls is only nine. The competition requires players to be aged 10, but organisers made an exception because of her “phenomenal” ability.
The players come from across the Mid North Coast. Many play in Football North Coast representative squads and for local clubs, including the Camden Haven Redbacks, and they train or play four days a week.
On Saturday, 3 October, the team collected their uniform kits at Reflections North Haven. A local Aboriginal Elder performed a smoking ceremony, and Uncle Ian Bell and Brice Hayward shared culture with the girls through a traditional ochre paint-up.
The team also ran a fun soccer meet at the park during the first week of the school holidays, inviting young guests to join in.
Reflections North Haven Park Manager Craig Rumbelow said the park was proud to back the team.
“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,” he said.
Minister for Lands, Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper wished the team success in Dubbo and congratulated everyone 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.”
The team has been fundraising, and the trip is a big cost for families.
“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,” Ms Clark 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.”
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