South coast Glover triplets headline bigger than ever Football NSW NAIDOC Cup squad

After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2022, the Football NSW NAIDOC Cup is back for 2023. The Glover triplets from the south coast headline a host of Indigenous talent to take part.

South Coast triplets Bridie, Hailee and Laini Glover playing for South East Phoenix FC

Following the success of last year’s inaugural NAIDOC Cup, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football have unveiled their squads for the 2023 competition, to be held at Valentine Sports Park in July.

The event will be even bigger and better this year, thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Legacy Program which has resulted in double the amount of teams and players competing than the previous iteration of the tournament.

Four teams from each association will take part in the tournament, divided into under-14 and under-16 girls and boys squads.

Annabelle Medley, diversity and inclusion officer for Football NSW, said they really wanted to capitalise on the success of 2022 when putting the 2023 event together.

“It was fantastic last year, but it was on a much smaller scale,” Medley said.

“So the funding has contributed hugely to allow more players to be involved.

“We now have 126 First Nations players involved, compared to last year’s 64.”

Headlining the under-16 girls team are Hailee, Bridie and Laini Glover, 15-year-old triplets from the NSW south coast who have been making their name in the FNSW State League with South East Phoenix FC.

Bridie Glover selected for U16s Football NSW NAIDOC Cup squad.

“At the age of five our dad got us into it,” Bridie said.

“We played for the Sussex Seahawks, but last year was our first year with the Phoenix.”

The triplets also practice together at home, and Hailee said they get along really well both on and off the field.

“We encourage each other a lot,” she said.

“Since we have played together in the same team for so long.”

Hailee Glover from South East Phoenix FC selected to represent Football NSW at the 2023 NAIDOC Cup.

Although the competition between the two football associations is fierce, the event is more about creating a community which recognises and heralds Indigenous culture through football.

“I think the football side of it is just an added bonus,” Medley said.

“Because it’s the game that everyone loves.

“I think it’s a really great way to bring people together no matter where you’re from.

“Football is a world game, it brings people together.”