Socceroos goalkeeper coach John Crawley believes there are vast reserves of untapped footballing potential in the Northern Territory after a visit immersed in Indigenous football and culture in Australia's Top End earlier this month.
It comes after Crawley joined Joeys Head Coach Trevor Morgan for community visits in Darwin from 29 November - 4 December as part of Football Federation Australia's initiative with John Moriarty Football and Northern Territory Football.
There were record numbers of Indigenous boys and girls playing football in 2020, and Crawley said he was inspired to touch base with what should be a hotbed for future national team talent.
"There are players that can be unearthed up here," said the 48-year-old.
"I think they need the opportunity to show their worth."
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The ex-Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners stalwart added: "We are a national game, we are a national organisation.
"Every state needs to be visited, not just the most popular states or the states that have the most registrations of players."
Joeys boss Morgan said: "To help grow the game it's important that people in regional centres get access to high level competition."
Crawley and Morgan were part of an FFA squad that included Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, Westfield Matildas assistant coach Mel Andreatta and FFA Head of Goalkeeping Tony Franken.
Arnold joined with Andreatta and Franken with John Moriarty Football's delivery bases in Alice Springs, Ti-Tree, Tennant Creek and Alekarenge.
Last month, FFA expressed their commitment to making Indigenous heritage a crucial part of Australian football's story and creating clearer pathways and opportunities for First Nations players, coaches and administrators.
FFA will continue to partner with John Moriarty Football and recently announced their support of a new showcase of Indigenous football and culture in Redcliffe, Queensland next February.
To learn more about FFA's new commitment to Indigenous football, click here
