Football Australia are proud to announce the appointment of Gema Simon and David Williams as Head Coaches of the Football Australia Invitational XI Girls and Boys First Nations teams, set to compete in the Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships in July 2025.
These Invitational XI teams are a core part of Football Australia's broader commitment to embedding representation and cultural recognition in every layer of the sport.
The initiative provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players with a national platform to showcase their footballing talent and strengthen their connection to identity, community, and country through the game.
A proud Gumbaynggirr woman and former CommBank Matildas defender (cap #190), Gema Simon brings a deep personal connection and wealth of experience in her second year in the role. A decorated player Australia's domestic competition, Simon recorded 151 appearances across 16 years of service for the Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory and also represented Australia at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019. She has been a visible leader in both professional football and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander advocacy, serving as an inspiration for the next generation.
In his first year in the role, former Subway Socceroo David Williams, adds elite experience from a decorated playing career across Australia, Europe and India. Born and raised in Meanjin (Brisbane) but heritage from the region of the Gooreng Gooreng people in Mid coast Queensland, Williams made over 200 appearances in the A-League and represented Australia at every level from U-17 to the senior level. He continues to be a strong advocate for First Nations representation in football and a mentor to young players coming through the ranks.
Together, Simon and Williams will lead the next generation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander football talent as the Invitational XI teams compete against the nation's best at the Emerging Championships.
"It's an incredible honour to lead the Girls Invitational XI," said Gema Simon. "This program means so much. It is not just what it offers on the pitch, but for the pride and purpose it instils in our young women. Football has always been a place where I found strength and belonging, and I want to help create that same space for the next wave of First Nations talent."
"This is about more than football. It's about opportunity, identity, and visibility," said David Williams. "I'm proud to be part of an initiative that doesn't just talk about pathways but builds them. I've seen the quality and potential in these young players. Now, it's about giving them the environment and the belief to thrive."
Since its inception, the Football Australia Invitational XI has proven to be a high-impact platform that celebrates excellence and ensures First Nations players are included in the national football narrative. Many participants have gone on to receive further development and selection opportunities in state and national youth teams.
The program also blends performance with cultural storytelling, deepening the connection between First Nations identity and football. Initiatives such as jersey designs inspired by Country, on-site cultural activities, and storytelling moments continue to foster cultural pride and understanding across the broader football community.
The 2025 Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships will be held in Sydney and Melbourne with the Invitational XI teams once again taking the field as a powerful reminder that representation matters and that the future of Australian football is rich with diverse talent.
Fixtures and squads for the 2025 Emerging Matildas Championship and Emerging Socceroos Championship will be released in the coming weeks.
2025 Emerging Socceroos Championships
Venue: Home of the Matildas, Bundoora, Melbourne, Victoria
Dates: 6 - 11 July 2025
2025 Emerging Matildas Championships
Venue: Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood, Sydney, New South Wales
Dates: 15 - 20 July 2025
