St Albans Auskick has some new recruits, with nine Sudanese primary school students now taking part in their regular football clinics.
What was once a dream for the siblings from four Sudanese families is now a reality as they call the Auskick venue their first football home.
Their adventure started back in 2005 when they arrived here from Sudan and enrolled at St Albans Heights Primary School. From there they got the opportunity to watch LeasePlan Western Bulldogs matches at Telstra Dome and the MCG and instantly fell in love with the game.
But it is through the Bulldogs Friendly Schools Program at St Albans Heights this year that the children were given their first hands on experience with Australian Rules football.
Assistant Principal at St Albans Heights, Jenny Harris, said the Multicultural Schools Program (MSP) offered her Sudanese students with the perfect opportunity to kick start their passion for the game.
“Previously they hadn’t been able to get involved because of their circumstances. It’s fantastic having this program at our school because it has given them a real taste for the game.”
What was once a dream for the siblings from four Sudanese families is now a reality as they call the Auskick venue their first football home.
Their adventure started back in 2005 when they arrived here from Sudan and enrolled at St Albans Heights Primary School. From there they got the opportunity to watch LeasePlan Western Bulldogs matches at Telstra Dome and the MCG and instantly fell in love with the game.
But it is through the Bulldogs Friendly Schools Program at St Albans Heights this year that the children were given their first hands on experience with Australian Rules football.
Assistant Principal at St Albans Heights, Jenny Harris, said the Multicultural Schools Program (MSP) offered her Sudanese students with the perfect opportunity to kick start their passion for the game.
“Previously they hadn’t been able to get involved because of their circumstances. It’s fantastic having this program at our school because it has given them a real taste for the game.”
“Now they run around saying that one day they want to play with the Bulldogs,” she said.
Bulldogs Multicultural Development Officer, Sash Herceg, believes this is a great example of what can be achieved through the MSP.
“We provide a clear pathway for students involved in the MSP to go on to participate at Bulldogs Friendly Auskick Centres and Clubs. The fact that they have now joined up with St Albans Auskick says a lot about how we are implementing this program.”
Assistance has also been provided through Sports Without Borders – a funding program that provides support to refugee youth in Victoria to allow them to participate in sport. Through this initiative funding was secured to pay for Auskick fees and new football boots.
All nine Sudanese youngsters participated at the St Albans Auskick session last Friday with Bulldogs players Andrew McDougall and Paul O’Shea giving them tips on how to improve their game.
“We provide a clear pathway for students involved in the MSP to go on to participate at Bulldogs Friendly Auskick Centres and Clubs. The fact that they have now joined up with St Albans Auskick says a lot about how we are implementing this program.”
Assistance has also been provided through Sports Without Borders – a funding program that provides support to refugee youth in Victoria to allow them to participate in sport. Through this initiative funding was secured to pay for Auskick fees and new football boots.
All nine Sudanese youngsters participated at the St Albans Auskick session last Friday with Bulldogs players Andrew McDougall and Paul O’Shea giving them tips on how to improve their game.
This was one of 11 clinics held on Friday and Sunday that featured Western Bulldogs players.
