Anthony Melissari Named in Inaugural Football NSW NAIDOC Cup Side
Last week Football NSW announced their squads for the inaugural NAIDOC Cup, which is when Manly United’s under 15 boy’s youth league player Anthony Melissari found out he would be representing Football NSW this Wednesday, 6th July at 3pm.
To be played on Awabakal land, NAIDOC Cup will coincide with 2022 NAIDOC Week, 3-10 July. In celebration of NAIDOC Week Football NSW have partnered with Northern NSW Football to host the inaugural NAIDOC CUP.
A celebration of First Nations’ communities, culture, and football, the Cup will include one male and one female game where players aged 14-16 from both Member Federations will go head-to-head at the Lake Macquarie Football Facility, which will be streamed live via the NPL.TV platform.
Tomorrow Anthony Melissari will be part of history as he swaps out his Manly United jersey to proudly wear the inaugural Football NSW NAIDOC Cup jersey.
“It means a lot to be selected to play in the inaugural NAIDOC Cup.
It is a big achievement, and I am very proud and blessed to have the opportunity to represent my culture for myself and my family.” Melissari said.
NAIDOC Cup will also offer the players an opportunity to learn and develop new skills not only from the coaching staff but from playing with alongside footballers they would not normally have the chance to play with.
“I am most looking forward to representing my culture and playing alongside and against other indigenous boys.” Melissari said.
More than just a game of football and a chance to showcase the talent of First Nations’ footballers, NAIDOC Cup is an opportunity for the players to celebrate NAIDOC Week and represent themselves, their culture, family, and heritage.
“It is important to me to celebrate NAIDOC week because we are recognising and learning more about the strong, rich culture which has been here for thousands of years.” Melissari said.
Manly United are beyond proud of Anthony and his selection in the side and cannot wait to cheer him on from Cromer Park this Wednesday.
2022 NAIDOC Cup details:
Date: Wednesday 6 July 2022
Venue: Awabakal land – Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
Female Match: 1.30pm
Male Match: 3pm
Live Stream: https://npl.tv/