It was another busy week in the community, as our team brought plenty of football fun to our city. See where the Club has been over the past week in our City in the Community wrap.
Diversity Week – International Students Football Gala Day
City in the Community recently celebrated Diversity Week by staging its first ever International Students Football Gala day. Since August 2018 and with the support of Study Melbourne, CITC has engaged over 300 international students from across the city to help them improve their well-being and student experience. The program has incorporated many opportunities for them to connect with the club and be involved with CITC initiatives that make a difference in their local communities. Students have also undertaken leadership and coaching courses as well fun social football activities that alleviate social isolation.
The recent Gala Day was a celebration of the program’s achievements and also a celebration of the contribution of international students to our city and club. Their passion and love for the world game and willingness to give back to their adopted City has definitely enriched our club and City in the Community team and programs.
The Big Issue’s Street Soccer program in North Melbourne
Last Tuesday afternoon, Melbourne City’s entire A-League squad visited The Big Issue’s Street Soccer program in North Melbourne. The squad participated in soccer drills and small sided games with the crew, as well as a group discussion. Following the activities, both sets of players enjoyed a BBQ with lots of laughs. The opportunity was a great chance for Street Soccer players to interact with professional footballers, and for the City boys to meet people who are showing great resilience to participate in Street Soccer while tackling homelessness.
This Girl Can Gala Day at Gosch’s Paddock
Since the launch of the This Girl Can campaign one year ago, over 285,000 women across the state have become more active. Last week, VicHealth and This Can Victoria celebrated women getting active with the This Girl Can Week to encourage more women to get physically active.
On Sunday afternoon, Melbourne City celebrated This Girl Can week by hosting a picnic at Gosch’s Paddock. The event was an action-packed day of fun activities, with Soccer Mums Sessions and Kids Soccer Clinics run by the Club’s community team, encouraging all ages out on the pitch and encouraging members of the public to remain physically active.
Sunday’s picnic came after two pop-up activity days at QV Square, where Melbourne City FC goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri visited on Wednesday afternoon.
The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program at Port Philip Prison
City in the Community’s Young Leaders continued their involvement and contribution to the community this week, with a number of Young Leaders participating in the Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program at Port Philip Prison. Supporting the rehabilitation of prisoners with intellectual disabilities through football, the Young Leaders demonstrated how football can be used to achieve social change. The community programs undertaken by CITC’s Young Leaders not only support the community, but also the personal development of the leaders.
CITC will deliver its next Young Leader training during the upcoming school holidays (April 8 and 9). The two-day program will focus on community leadership and develop skills and attributes needed to deliver community football programs that address social issues and impact the community. The program is free and will run at the City Football Academy in Bundoora to young people aged 17-25. Interested parties can register here.
