Twenty-two Whitten Project Young Leaders fulfilled childhood dreams over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend when they ran out onto the MCG to play in a half time exhibition match.

In front of a 60,000 strong crowd, the Young Leaders showcased their football skills in a modified AFL 9’s game.     

Hobsons Bay City Council Young Leader Alex Dellaportas described the experience as “unforgettable.”

“Running out of the tunnel and onto the ground in front of the packed MCG was my highlight,” Dellaportas said.

Fellow Young Leader Jack Kessegian from Brimbank City Council described the event as a once in a lifetime experience saying it was an amazing opportunity to play on the MCG.

The Whitten Project is approaching the halfway mark and the program’s focus now turns towards the Community Leadership Project.

The project is a core component designed for Young Leaders to develop civic leadership skills by connecting them with their local community.

Over the next eight weeks Young Leaders will work collaboratively with local sports and community clubs to address common issues including — declining memberships, facility upgrades, volunteerism and cultural awareness.