The MiniRoos Settlement Program (MSP) proves that football is so much more than a game. The program uses sport to assist culturally diverse kids and their families to build social connections and integrate into the wider community.
Last year over 1000 kids aged between 4-12 took part in the program and over 30 facilitators from culturally diverse backgrounds were employed. Furthermore, 17 MSP hubs have been setup including in Shepparton, Geelong and Dandenong to ensure the program continues to create positive change across Victoria.
FV Program Manager Abraham Abraham said he was extremely pleased what the program has accomplished so far, stating this is only the beginning.
“We have done so much in such a small space of time, and we will continue to grow and build on strong partnerships with local government, clubs, and schools,” he said.
“We worked with the newly arrived Afghan community in Dandenong all way to the Wodonga’s newly arrived Congolese community. Providing football for kids and families to be able to engage with the wider Australian community.”
The weekly MSP sessions Weekly skills through progressive drills and games and focus on fundamental movement skills. The program is delivered in an engaging and inclusive environment and is the perfect outlet to make new friends and develop fundamental social skills.
“This season we were able to introduce an all-time high number of participants to the structured football environment in Australia, providing meaningful community integration opportunities,” Abraham said.
“We were able to transition 105 kids into club football through financial and other support such as communicating with clubs on their behalf to provide an opportunity for participants to play and travel across Victoria and see other communities.”
The expanding registrations have created casual employment opportunities for 34 young people to work in the Miniroo’s settlement space.
“FA set us the target to employ 30 facilitators this year and we comfortably reached it and provide opportunities to people with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds which have helped them integrate into their community,” Abraham explained.
“An example of this is Abdul, who completed his engineering degree had found that football was his passion.
“Through his work in the Miniroo’s settlement space, he was provided with a full-time opportunity to work in Wyndham council with the newly arrived Afghan community due to Abdul showcasing his skills at the MSP programs.”