Football Australia launches Indigenous reconciliation action plan

Football Australia (FA) has become the latest national sports governing body to develop and implement a reconciliation action plan (RAP), a program endorsed by Reconciliation Australia that aims to build and strengthen football's relationship with First Nations communities.

It is the first time football's national body has launched its own RAP, with it following in the footsteps of other organisations such as the AFL, NRL, and Cricket Australia.

The RAP was created in collaboration with FA's inaugural National Indigenous Advisory Group (NIAG), which includes a number of past and present First Nations participants such as Karen Menzies (the first Aboriginal woman to represent the Matildas), John Maynard, coaches Frank Farina and Tanya Oxtoby, former Socceroo Jade North and current Matilda Kyah Simon.

The RAP was also spearheaded by the organisation's first-ever engagement lead for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Courtney Hagen.

Through its three core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities, FA's «Reflect» RAP sets out a long-term framework that will empower and educate those within the sport about issues that continue to face First Nations people in the pursuit of reconciliation.

Despite the long history of First Nations involvement in and contribution to football —stemming all the way back to pre-colonisation days — the game has often failed to provide genuine, practical, and sustainable opportunities and platforms for these crucial voices and experiences.

For NIAG co-chair Jade North, the RAP is the first step in rectifying that historical neglect and creating a path forward for the entire game.

«I'm greatly encouraged by the decisive action Football Australia is taking towards meaningful