Multicultural program kicking goals

Twenty-seven players from Sydney and Wagga Wagga attended the four-day camp which aimed to improve players’ skills and to raise awareness about their culture and those around them.

For some people it was their first real AFL game after recently moving to Australia where they immediately took a liking to the game.

With players coming from a variety of cultures and countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Egypt, Fiji, South Korea among others, it was an opportunity to learn what is required to make it in the AFL and to form new friendships in the process.

AFL (NSW/ACT) Multicultural Manager Maria Cosmidis said the participants took a lot out of the experience.

“The most important outcomes for us in running this program is that the kids have a good time, secondly is that they get something out of it in relation to football and also that they get something out of it in relation to their lives. So we tried to focus on things like health, nutrition, leadership and respect as well as teaching them the football skills,” Cosmidis said.

“In two years the Multicultural and Indigenous talent camp has already grown. Last year we focused just on kids in Sydney where this year we included Wagga Wagga into the program and next year we are hoping to include another regional area in the program.

“We’ve got a really unique opportunity to [provide people with a chance to play AFL] especially with kids who have recently arrived in Australia. These kids just want to fit into their new homes, make friends and feel like they’re part of Australian society. They are very keen to have a go and once they have a go they love it.”

For the camp’s participants, they got a rare insight into the life of a professional athlete. Throughout the course of the week the Biggest Loser’s Ray Kelly ran them through an exercise program at the sand-dunes at Kurnell beach.

Former Sydney Swans players Michael O’Loughlin and Jason Saddington both ran training sessions where they taught about the importance of technique and execution. The players also sat through educational sessions on nutrition and the importance of good health.

While Essendon’s Bachar Houli addressed the players on the second day of the camp before they underwent a range of high-performance athletic testing and stressed the importance of persistence.

"The whole message that I wanted to send to these kids is that no matter what background you come from, there’s always an opportunity out there for you,” Houli said.

"It might not work the first time for you, but it can happen the second time or the third time. There are clear examples with mature-age guys getting drafted at 22 or 23, even up to 28.

"It doesn’t necessarily have to be AFL footy; it could be anything, as long as these kids remain active."

The AFL’s Multicultural Program was recently shortlisted for a Beyond Sport Award. The AFL was up against the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Namibia Football Association in the Sport Federation or Governing Body of the year award where it came in second place. The Awards were held in Chicago.