Almost 200 budding young Mudgee Dragons will embrace a bit of Indigenous culture and heritage with a special round on August 7.
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Under 6s coach Angus Berry floated the idea, which has gained enormous traction already to include the under 7s, 8s and 9s as well with 190 registered players set to run on in specially designed jumpers.
Alicia Lonsdale of the Aboriginal Lands Council drew up several designs, which were transformed into playing jerseys.
Mr Berry said part of the day was gaining a deeper understanding of the history and stories of the Wiradjuri First Nations Peoples.
"As an Aboriginal man I thought, I don't know know enough about my heritage and there are probably lots of people that don't know a lot about Wiradjuri Country, so why not bring it to light, get the kids in a jumper and get people talking?" he said.
Local businesses have jumped on board with sponsorships allowing the production of the special jumpers, while it was hoped some recognisable Indigenous NRL stars might have been able to attend to present them to the players.
"The lockdowns have basically put a halt to that unfortunately," Mr Berry said.
"But NRL players have been sending through some video shout outs and stuff - I've had some back from the Rabbitohs, the Dogs, Matty Johns and Ken Sutcliffe have got on board."
However, the club has been able to purchase a number of Indigenous themed balls that will be presented to players' player and other award winners on the day.
And it won't be just a day for the players with family and friends invited to join in the special heritage round as well.
The Lands Council will be on hand to do a Welcoming Ceremony for the day, while the generous sponsorship has also allowed a small surplus to hire a caterer for the day and there will also be a coffee van on-site.
Mr Berry said he has a 27-year history with the Dragons and was eager to share the region's first elaborate recognition of Indigenous players with the near 200-strong youngsters on the day.
The club's under 7s coach has also jumped on board and been pivotal in helping source equipment.
As coach of the under 6's Mr Berry said there were more than 70 players in his grade alone, building a foundation for the future of the club.
"It's a bit of a guinea pig moment, the club has backed me and I'd love to see it bigger and better next year and build on it," Mr Berry said.
The special round will coincide with the junior club's last home game in the regular season before heading into the semi-finals and Mr Barry believes it could be a great celebration.
The Mudgee Dragons Indigenous Round will run on August 7 at Cahill Park.
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