There’s six Cityzens Giving projects in six countries – and one is right here in Melbourne. Learn how you can contribute to a local charity through Cityzens.
Melbourne City FC helped to launch Cityzens Giving in Melbourne at the Club’s Round 7 Hyundai A-League match on Saturday night.
The “I Speak Football” project is one of six projects across Melbourne, New York, Manchester, Barranquilla, Cape Town and Kuala Lumpur which Cityzens can invest in.
Supported by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) – in partnership with Melbourne City FC – the “I Speak Football” project addresses social isolation in Australia.
One in five young Australians report feeling frequently lonely. Lena, aged 18, arrived in Melbourne and experienced first-hand the loneliness and isolation that can come with trying to integrate into a new culture and society.
Realising that football can break down social barriers, she joined forces with a group of like-minded young people to develop I Speak Football. The project uses the worldwide passion of football as a force to connect isolated young people with engaging football sessions that boost language skills and social networks.
Young leaders, including Lena, attended the Cityzens Giving launch at Melbourne City FC’s home match at AAMI Park on Saturday.
The most committed young people will also attain coaching and refereeing qualifications, enabling them to step up as mentors for other young people.
The ultimate aims are to help young people make friends, build leadership skills, boost their language skills and reduce isolation and loneliness.
Every Cityzen has been given $9 to invest in the project. If you’re a Cityzen, log in to the Cityzens portal to give the gift of football by pledging your charity fund to projects that inspire you most.
The window to pledge your support closes on Wednesday 24 December.
