The AFL match visitation is a key component of the program, and is yet another step toward achieving our goal of introducing Australian football, and the Western Bulldogs to students in the Bulldogs backyard.
Some of the other experiences in the program include a visit to the National Sports Museum & tour of the MCG, match play in the Multicultural Schools Cup, a Western Bulldogs player/s visit, participation in the Auskick activities at half time during AFL match, skill development and umpiring tuition.
This match was also significant as it saw the 8000th person attend the game through the AFL / Western Bulldogs Multicultural Match Visitation Program. The first visit was conducted in 2005 at the Western Bulldogs Vs St Kilda match. On that occasion Western Bulldogs president, Mr. David Smorgan, welcomed 450 people to the MCG, the majority of whom had never attended a live AFL match. Since then, the Western Bulldogs & the AFL have provided opportunities for schools, community groups and organisations in the West to attend several matches a year.
The match visits are conducted through the cooperative work of the AFL, Western Bulldogs, and the Victorian Government. Victoria University pre-service teachers assist in getting children and their families to and from the football in buses provided by the Western Bulldogs, AFL & Victoria Police.
The Multicultural Program is a joint initiative between the Australian Football League, AFL Victoria and the Victorian Government through the Sport and Recreation unit of the Department of Planning and Community Development.
