Last year they were worn by only two teams but due to the popularity, this year all teams have adorned Indigenous shirts which they plan to do every year and encourage other clubs to do the same.
Club President Noel Dona said he grew up watching western and cowboys movies but believed it was wrong that he knew more about American Indian culture than his own First Nations’ communities.
“As a club, we believe it is important to promote Indigenous education and culture,” he said.
“So this year, we have officially renamed our club during NAIDOC Week, Burramattagul Warada SFC, to acknowledge the local Indigenous mob.
“The shirts have been very well received by all our members and we have also received many positive comments from the opposition teams that we have played.
“Promoting indigenous culture can only be positive for the community.”
Burramatta is Dharug for Parramatta, which means, ‘Place Where the Eels Lie’, with the eel featuring on the front of their playing shirt as do other characteristics, including a Warada (waratah) and a Wilbung (magpie), the logo of the Granville and District Soccer Football Association.
