Nambucca Strikers senior women’s captain Kyiesha Cohen is sold on Indigenous Round as a step in the right direction – and the opportunity for more to be done.
Kyiesha is just 19 years of age, and while finding her way as a leader of people, already has a presence on the field.
Having played football since 6 years of age and being a standout in the mids/forwards, Kyiesha is in her first year in the captaincy gig for the Strikers women.
And, loving it.
“We’ve got a lot of newcomers and it’s all about teaching them to play and building their confidence,” Kyiesha said.
“We’re basically starting out as a new team, but we’ve been working well together and it’s like a family.”
Northern NSW Football will celebrate its inaugural Indigenous Round on May 28-30 – and Kyiesha is a fan.
“It’s a good thing to implement into soccer as it brings communities closer together which is important for reconciliation to happen,” Kyiesha said.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said this is the body’s first step toward connecting with the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and diverse history.
The purpose of the inaugural Indigenous Round is to provide the football community with an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout our game in northern NSW,” David said.
As an Indigenous player, Kyiesha said it was apparent that Aboriginal players were under represented in football, with many youngsters instead drawn to rugby league.
“But if we could see more Indigenous players like (Matilda) Gema Simon at the top level then I think that will encourage more to discover our game,” Kyiesha said.
It’s a modern cliche, and a truism: You can’t be who you can’t see.
Photo: Kyiesha Cohen
