Congratulations to John Moriarty Football Community Coach Sonny Raggett (Gurdanji) from Borroloola on being appointed as spokesperson to the NT Youth Round Table. Sonny was nominated by community elders for his leadership and drive to make impactful change in the Borroloola community.
Sonny joined the JMF team in January 2025 as he wanted to be a positive role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in his community through the power of football, which has always been a big part of his life. "I love football and working with kids. It's deadly," said Sonny.
Role models and leaders like Sonny help create safe and supportive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth. According to Sonny, the children in Borroloola "literally love JMF", as it gives them something to strive for and helps keep them positively engaged.
A 2025 Deloitte Access Economics report highlighted that JMF participants attend 1-2 additional days of school, reflecting the impact of JMF coaches like Sonny.
In November 2025, Sonny travelled to Sydney for JMF's Coach Development Week.
"My favourite JMF memory was going to Sydney and meeting the other JMF coaches. It was fun collaborating and learning new drills and techniques to keep young footballers engaged."
Sonny has since been leading JMF sessions and teaching important life skills like 'speaking up', helping to build participant confidence and self-esteem.
As a NT Youth Round Table spokesperson, Sonny is keen to share his insights about the challenges the community faces, be a voice for the young people of Borroloola and help create better opportunities for them. Sonny is also looking forward to building new connections with other passionate change-makers to amplify their impact.
Sonny and our team of dedicated coaches across Borroloola, Dubbo, Tennant Creek and Cairns are leaders, role models and change-makers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Our 74% local Indigenous coaches build strong trusting relationships with young participants, encouraging positive behaviour and engagement. Everyday they support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth to feel connected, build resilience and be strong in culture so they thrive.
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