WA football kicking goals for multiculturalismTuesday, March 29, 2016 - 2:04 PM

More than 40 youth from culturally diverse backgrounds got the opportunity to have a kick with Fremantle Dockers player Tendai Mzungu in the final session of a six week community football engagement program at Riverton Reserve on Tuesday March 22.

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) delivered on the Welcome to AFL Program, in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Interests, City of Canning, Riverton Junior Football Club, Department of Sport and Recreation and Communicare, to further engage with young people from different cultural backgrounds.

The program, which ran every Tuesday after school, offered skills training, parent education sessions and provided football resources to the ethnically diverse Riverton community.

The WAFC’s Community Engagement department works closely with multicultural schools and communities and offers resources and programs to help enhance children’s skills and knowledge of Australia’s great game.

WAFC Community Engagement Coordinator Liam Anthony said football is an all-inclusive sport that acts as an ideal vehicle to help encourage participation and develop intercultural understanding among youth from diverse backgrounds.

“It is a great way for young people to develop their skills and knowledge of the sport, but to also make new friends and keep active,” Mr Anthony said.

The Welcome to AFL program received funding from the Office of Multicultural Interests’ Community Grants Program and delivered more than 20 activities and events across WA.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the football program is a fun way for children from different cultures to interact in a team environment.

"Multiculturalism is one of WA's greatest strengths and programs like this aim to develop the skills of these youngsters, ensuring our cultural diversity is reflected in AFL games across the State,” Mr Nahan said.

Newly appointed AFL Multicultural Ambassador Tendai Mzungu said footy allows all players from all different cultural backgrounds to celebrate as a team and support one another.

“It was so great seeing these kids from all different backgrounds having fun with the footy and running amuck,” Mr Mzungu said.

“I am so excited about building on the strengths of our diverse community and footy is one of the best ways we can look at achieving this.

“Footy brings people together. Anyone can kick a goal and celebrate it as one team, one community.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the program also provides participants direct access to other programs including KidSport and sport opportunities within their local community.

“The department supports community organisations such as Edmund Rice Centre and Communicare Inc to help increase participation by introducing the young people they work with to programs like Welcome to AFL.”