The scholarships were a NNSWF initiative as part of its inaugural RTC Group Indigenous Round held in May in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week and have been awarded across three categories - player, coach and referee.

Nicholson is one of four players to be recognised.

The scholarship will help her represent NNSWF at the 2022 National Youth Championships with contributions towards club registration and identification camp fees as well as costs associated with Talent Support Programs and the National Youth Championships.

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NNSWF CEO David Eland said the scholarships, along with the inaugural RTC Group Indigenous Round, were the first steps towards connecting with the region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

"I am delighted that we have been able to award these inaugural eight scholarships," Eland said.

"These recipients will be role models for the next generation of Indigenous players, coaches and referees and will hopefully inspire others from their community."

"We want to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches and referees across football while creating more opportunities for them to engage in professional development and this is a chance to identify and showcase the next generation who have the potential to achieve at the highest levels of the game."

RTC Group founding director and executive chairman Richard Claut said his organisation had a passion for helping the underrepresented achieve their goals.

"RTC Group has a proud history of supporting local sportspeople and we're incredibly proud to be associated with these scholarships," Claut said.

"Everyone at RTC Group congratulates the eight inaugural scholarship recipients and wishes them well.

"We look forward to seeing them progress in their football careers."