The Collingwood Football Club recently hosted the annual State of Origin Series for the second consecutive year, in collaboration with the Clontarf Foundation. Held at Victoria Park, the three-day event celebrates young and promising First Nations footballers from across Australia. This football carnival not only showcases athletic talent but also emphasizes the importance of education, personal development, and cultural identity. The State of Origin Series serves as a highlight of the Clontarf Foundation’s year-long efforts to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through sports.
The Clontarf Foundation’s mission is to enhance the educational, social, and professional opportunities for young Indigenous men. By promoting discipline, life skills, and self-esteem, the Foundation uses football as a tool to equip participants with valuable life skills. At the end of the year, the top participants from various academies around Australia are invited to compete in the State of Origin Series, where they have the chance to showcase their abilities and possibly earn a place on the prestigious All-Australian team. In addition to football prowess, the selection process considers academic performance, including attendance, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Mark Riley, the Zone Manager for Clontarf, shared some insights about the Foundation’s growth since its inception in 2000. What began with just 25 boys in Perth now includes over 11,500 students across 160 schools in multiple states, including Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Northern Territory