Multicultural Program

Welcome from Welshy

The introduction of the Essendon Football Club Multicultural Program has certainly been an exciting time for the club and provided us with opportunities to work with new communities and organisations across a range of events.

The Essendon players and staff believe that engaging the multicultural community is an integral aspect of growing the game. Having several indigenous players as well as our new recruit Michael Quinn (Irish recruit) and Bachar Houli (of Lebanese Muslim descent) presents the club with a diverse playing group.

Australian Football has a unique capacity to capture the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. EFC believes that Australian Rules football – something ingrained in the culture and history of Australia – has a valuable role to play.

The sole purpose of this program is to give migrant and refugee communities an opportunity to be part of our exciting game. We understand that finance, transport, participation and communication are only some of the challenges migrants and refugees face and Essendon believe that through the delivery of the Multicultural Program these hurdles can be overcome.

On behalf of the club, I would like to thank our community partners, sponsors and members for their support and hard work.

We look forward to working with you again in 2009.

Andrew Welsh
Essendon Football Club Multicultural Ambassador

Overview

The Essendon Football Club Multicultural Program, operated in partnership with the AFL and the Victorian Government, was established to develop opportunities to engage people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the game of Australian football with the view to broaden both the participation and supporter base in the game.

Multicultural Schools Program

The Essendon Football Club has established a Multicultural Schools program which aims to develop opportunities to engage people from diverse cultural backgrounds in Australian Football while promoting cultural diversity.

The Multicultural Schools Program runs for 15 weeks and operates in 20 primary and secondary schools throughout Melbourne's north-west, reaching in excess of 2,500 students. Participants are provided with the opportunity to engage with Australian Rules Football on a number of levels including; classroom activities, health and career seminars, AFL game visits, online activities, regular interaction with Essendon players, tours of AFL and Essendon facilities and modified format competitions.

Andrew Welsh NAB AFL Auskick

Aimed at engaging culturally and linguistically diverse youth in the Flemington area, the Andrew Welsh NAB AFL Auskick uses physical activity to help develop social skills, healthy living through fun football-associated activities.

EFC GLoBALL Program

The GLoBALL Program aims to assist Victoria’s international students community to develop relationships with more established communities and organisations through Australian Rules Football and various leadership and engagement programs and football workshops. The program attempts to break down misconceptions and strengthen cross-cultural ties between international students and the wider community. This program would provide international students the opportunity to interact with members, staff and players of the Essendon Football Club.

The scope of the program would assist them to have a more positive experience while studying in Australia, as well as develop their confidence. The program also aims to create a sense of belonging and understanding for newly arrived international students to encourage them to experience Australia as their new home to a greater extent. EFC is partnering with Austrade, RMIT, City of Melbourne and the Australian Federation of International Students to deliver the program.

If you are an international student keen to participate in the GLoBALL Program, please fill in the attached registration form.

AFP/EFC Unity Cup

A joint initiative of the Australian Federal Police and the Essendon Football Club, the Unity Cup aims to unite Victoria’s multicultural communities through Australian Rules football, via an active round robin football competition accompanied by cultural entertainment and activities. Events on the day includes autograph and photo opportunities with Essendon players, a round robin football competition between four multicultural communities, live performances from multicultural entertainers and children’s activities.

The day aims to unite multicultural communities through a mutual appreciation of Australian Rules football.

The Unity Cup will be held on Sunday 21 June 2009 at Windy Hill.

Click here for more information on this year's Unity Cup

For further information regarding the Essendon Football Club Multicultural Program, please contact Eder Martins on (03) 8371 0253 or via email, emartins@essendonfc.com.au.

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