Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Jade North on why we need to recognise our Indigenous footballing history 

While NAIDOC Week provides a chance for the nation to celebrate and acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, former Socceroo Jade North wants his Indigenous Green and Gold heroes to be commemorated as well. 

NAIDOC Week, which this year is held from July 3 to July 10, marks a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture past, present and future.

First Nations Australians have played variations of football for centuries - so it is only right to recognise the impact they have had on the Green and Gold.

The likes of Charles Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe were among the original trailblazers in the 1950s, but it was not until the 1970s that Harry Williams became the first Indigenous Australian to play for the Socceroos. And four years later, he became the first Indigenous Australian to play at a FIFA World Cup.

While the likes of Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and John Aloisi have become household names for their exploits in Green and Gold, North wants players like Williams to be remembered in the same vein.

“The limelight was always on the 2006 squad that went to Germany,” North explained. 

“Tim Cahill coming on and scoring two goals against Japan, winning the game in a great way, that just sent waves through the Australian media back home.

“That kind of was the starting point, but we also forget about the people that were there beforehand. 

“I think we have to hold them up in that same light as well. Harry Williams playing at a World Cup as an Indigenous man, for me that should be front and centre as a fantastic achievement. 

Harry Williams was a household name for me. As the first Indigenous player to feature in a World Cup, that will go down in history. 

“That's a special moment, for him, his family and for all of us. He was someone that I certainly looked up to and wanted to be like. Unfortunately, I didn't get to play at a World Cup but what a great honour for him.

“His achievement should be up there with all the guys who represented the 2006 Socceroos at the World Cup. 

“I think now it's good because there's more social media and there are more people playing the game today with more understanding, but history is always going to be there and we really need to celebrate it.”

While he did not get to emulate the World Cup success of his hero, North went on to make 41 appearances for the Green and Gold. 

jade north
Jade North played 41 times for the Socceroos and captained the side on numerous occasions.

He is widely recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to captain the Socceroos as well. Although no longer claims that feat anymore, with Frank Farina reclaiming his Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

Over the last 30 years or so there has been that long-awaited increase in Aboriginal representation throughout the Socceroos and Matildas. 

At a national league level, Indigenous players have also shone with Travis Dodd, Tanya Oxtoby, Tahj Minniecon, Jada Whyman, David Williams, Allira Toby and James Brown are just some of the players who have had long and successful careers in the National Soccer League and A-Leagues.  

Dodd, in particular, is one player that inspired North despite the pair being of similar age. 

“Travis is a good friend of mine and another Indigenous footballer,” North said. 

“He’s someone that really inspired me, even though he is only a couple of years older. I remember watching him in the old NSL when he was playing for Newcastle at the time and I was just a youngster coming through. We played many times against each other, but also we roomed together in the Socceroos squad. 

“One of the nights that we played one of the Asian Cup qualifiers, Doddsy actually scored so and for him, that was a special moment. Especially for his mob back in Adelaide as well.

It was just a proud moment for us all. Being able to share that moment as two Indigenous boys playing in the same team was very special. We wanted it to inspire younger, Indigenous kids, but that was a special moment nevertheless.”

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