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12 year old Amren is a budding footballer, and all thanks to Kanga’s First Kick, a clinic that introduces AFL football to girls and boys aged 6-12 years old from migrant and refugee backgrounds, developed by The Huddle.

Since completing the ten week program, Amren, a new arrival to Australia, has joined her local football club. She says that football is a sport for everyone- both boys and girls and she loves being part of a team.

Program Coordinator Bridget Barker said “I’ve been able to encourage young women from ‘non-traditional’ AFL backgrounds to play in the local competition, enhancing social cohesion through sport and getting kids in the North Melbourne area active,” Barker explained.

“There are six girls in the under 13’s who are from migrant families who play each week and five girls, including one in 2014 who had only been in Australia for 18 months, in the under 18’s who have found and embraced AFL football through The Huddles’ programs and some encouragement from our volunteers.”

But it’s not just the kids getting in on the action. The Huddle volunteer coaches work with mums and dads to help educate the parents on the culture and community spirit of the AFL. From preparing the oranges for Saturday morning sport, to ride sharing and working out transport for those who don’t have access to a car, all the of the things we take for granted growing up in Australia can be shared with a broader community through programs like these.

Kangas first kick

Each year The Huddle works with more than 6,000 young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. They are up for a Medibank Community Grant to expand the Kanga’s First Kick program, you can vote for The Huddle online at medibankcommunitygrants.com.au

 Image source: The Huddle
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  • A great initative. It gives the girls exercise and teaches team effort. Hopefully their tackling won’t be as boisterous as the boys. They don’t want internal injuries.

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  • what a great idea hope it works

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  • Thrilled to see our great game reaching new participants. Keep up the good work!

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  • that is great. i bet it boosts those girls confidence as well.

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  • its great to see these kids getting a chance to work towards their dreams

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  • Great to see kids, whatever sex, age etc getting into sport.

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  • Lke ga

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  • Well done Amren and girls and all the very best to you all.

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  • Oh! Very well done girls!!

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  • Programs like these are wonderful. Sporting teams and competitions are a great way to unite people and build self confidence.

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  • What a great picture up top. Really shows the multi cultural side of Australia. Makes me so proud

    Reply

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