THE 2022 First Nations Indigenous Cup Squad isn’t until November, but the Sunshine Coast Goannas soccer team are already preparing their men’s and women’s sides.
Goannas founder and president Wayne Albert has been involved with indigenous soccer teams since he cofounded the Dayboro Dingoes before 2018 and is continuing to grow the Goannas.
“We started out with a men’s team, and now we’ve grown to a women’s and two youth sides,” he said.
“Hopefully this year we will have enough women for two teams so it’ll be growing again.”
Many of the players who are being picked for the men’s and women’s teams are from the Beegee’s soccer club, such as Samara Christmas.
As for the importance of having prominent indigenous teams across the country, Mr Albert said it’s all about connection and meeting different mobs, as well as competing.
“They are so proud to represent their people, not only the women but the men as well, the representation of mob,” he said.
The club only competes in a few competitions every year, and when asked about the future of the club, Albert was keeping his cards close to his chest.
“The Goannas have some big things coming, and that is all I’m going to say,” he said.