Future stars to find roar with lions

John Moriarty Football (JMF) is Australia’s longest running Indigenous football initiative for two to 18-year-olds that was co-founded in 2012 by John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal to play football for Australia, and his son James.
Over 2,000 children are coached through the JMF program each week in remote communities.
Robert Hostalek, 12, and Colin Walsh, 13, will be following in the footsteps of Young Matilda signing Shay Evans, who received the inaugural scholarship, Shadeene Evans, Courtese Charlie and Brenda Hogan who also played for Bankstown City Lions.
They will attend Westfields Sports High School and live together with a host family during school terms, with a range of mentors keeping in close contact with the boys and their families back home.
JMF Scholarships and Pathways Manager Michael MacDougall says the boys are excited to take up the opportunity to study in Sydney and play for a great club such as Bankstown City Lions under the guidance of Boys Convenor Filippa Alam and Technical Director George Fernandez.
“We believe they have what it takes to be professional footballers,” he said.
“They got to a point playing in Far North Queensland where they were not being challenged enough because the level isn’t high enough to keep them progressing but in Sydney, the standard is higher and so they will be kept on their toes while being encouraged and supported to achieve their dreams.”
Filippa said: “Bankstown City Lions is very happy to have the boys on board and welcome them to their new sports home in south west Sydney.”