Multicultural Gala Day sets a new recordThursday, May 26, 2016 - 9:09 AM

More than 1,000 young people from diverse backgrounds took part in the West Australian Football Commission’s (WAFC) AFL Multicultural Gala Day on Monday, May 23.

Students from Years Three to Six had the opportunity to develop their football skills alongside West Coast Eagles players, including AFL Multicultural Ambassador Nic Naitanui.

This year saw the all-inclusive event extend out to a third location due to a record number of participants.

Multicultural Ambassador Nic Naitanui said programs like this have helped strengthen cultural ties within our wider community.

“Growing up as a kid it was hard to meet many kids from different cultural backgrounds but now you look at Junior Clubs and the WAFL Competition and you see a lot of the players have come through these programs and clinics and a few of them are now getting the chance to play at the AFL level, which is fantastic to see,” Naitanui said.

The day featured three carnivals in Thornlie, Padbury and now Kardinya, where the students participated in a round-robin tournament and a number of football skill workshops.

WAFC Community Engagement Manager Paul Mugambwa said the event aims to welcome new players from diverse cultural backgrounds to Australian Rules Football.

“Football, and sport in general, is all about inclusivity and strengthening community, Mugambwa said.

“The event allows young players to develop their skills alongside the very best in the business, and this in turn helps us discover raw footy talent.”

The event is part of the WAFC Multicultural Schools program which reaches more than 50 schools each year.

“It’s important the WAFC continues to reach out to culturally and linguistically diverse players to further grow the game and build better, stronger communities,” Mugambwa said.

Photo: Participant playing football with WCE player Sharrod Wellingham at the Metro Central Multicultural Gala Day Carnival.