Inclusion was the name of the game on Wednesday at Kialla Park.
AFL Goulburn Murray staged a multicultural footy day at the venue, designed to foster interest in playing the game from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The lucky participants hailed from the Shepparton English Language Centre, a facility for linguistically diverse children to better adjust to Australian life.
What’s more Australian, after all, than picking up a Sherrin?
All in all, about 80 of the school’s students took part in Wednesday’s festivities across a wide junior age range, with backing from more community organisations.
Shepparton Foodshare had a significant presence at Kialla Park as the kids had their kick-around, providing a raft of fresh and healthy options for the student cohort.
AFL Victoria participation co-ordinator Kevin Monaghan lauded the success of the day.
“The conversations (about setting it up) happened in terms of trying to get our game into diverse cultures and making sure these individuals from different cultural backgrounds have the chance to play our game,” Monaghan said.
“Part of it was just to get that community engagement as well and, for 100 per cent of them, it was their first time picking up a footy.
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SELC's Ali Agha Hussaini, 15, marks the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Aji Blinda Rizky, 14, and Kalolaine Otunuku, 15, enjoy themselves under the sun. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
SELC's Mujtaba Hussaini delivers a handpass. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Pham Uyen Vy Tran, 9, Odete Mwamini, 13, Esthela Debora, 14, and Kalolaine Otunuku, 15, jostle for a mark. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
SELC's Gloria Malimingi puts it on the boot. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
SELC's Maria Julia Aguila Ebora, 12, confidently kicks through it. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
(Back) Daniel Bilombele and Ali Haidar, 14, (front) Ali Agha Sarwar, 17, Mohammad Ahmadi, Sanchez Impano, 17 and Mustafa Sharifi, 16, enjoy some of the Foodshare produce. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“We’ve partnered with Foodshare for this and other AFL programs, so they’re able to provide fruit and snacks for the kids to teach them about the nourishment that comes with eating well and keeping sustained throughout a program.
“We are a highly multicultural town and region, so to be able to access those backgrounds is a great success.”