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First Australians to the fore

20 Jun, 2009 11:29 AM
Former Socceroo Harry Williams hopes Australia's World Cup bid encourages a new generation of indigenous athletes to take up the sport.

Williams was the first indigenous Australian to play for the Socceroos and was part of Australia's 1974 World Cup team.

Last weekend he was the first speaker in Australia's launch for a World Cup bid to host the event in 2018 or 2022.

The launch also included a didgeridoo accompanying one of the opening dance performances while a graphic created by Western Australian aboriginal artist Ricky Drill was revealed as part of the bid's promotional material.

Williams was buoyed by the recognition the bid gave to Australia's aboriginal history.

Jade North is the only player in the Socceroos with indigenous heritage but Williams hopes that may change by 2018.

There are more coming through including Gold Coast player Tahj Minnecon while Adelaide United's Travis Dodd has played for the Socceroos.

Canberra's Lydia Williams and Sydney player Kyah Simon are regular internationals with the Australian women's team.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times

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Window of opportunity: Harry WiIlliams was proud to be the first speaker at the launch of Australia's bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.
Window of opportunity: Harry WiIlliams was proud to be the first speaker at the launch of Australia's bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

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