Search Results

< Back Ramadan Soccer Tournament: Uniting Communities Through Sport at North Melbourne A celebration of youth, energy, and community. Moukhtar Daher Previous Next

< Back Mastering Confidence: Unleashing Your Inner Game Changer Cultivating Skills and Building Lasting Confidence John King Previous Next

The Huddle shows support for Shooters Shoot's end of year basketball event < Back Hoopin' For A Cause Previous Next

< Back The Huddle's Annual Iftar: A Time of Reflection and Unity A Journey of Personal Growth and Community Connection Asli Abdullahi Previous Next

< Back A Game Changer in Wyndham Bella is Shaping Her Future Through Skills, Community, and Opportunity Emily Maiorana Previous Next

< Back Celebrating rich diversity and a resilient spirit! Celebrating rich diversity and resilient spirit at the Community Fair Fatima Ahmed Previous Next

Two years of NBA Math Hoops with St. Damian's Primary School < Back NBA Math Hoops at St. Damian's Primary School! Previous Next

< Back Helping Others To Find Their True North Confidence and communication skills to amplify ideas and stories. John King Previous Next

The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy < Back Kicks, Marks, and Cultural Connections David Middlemast 9 Apr 2025 The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy On Sunday, March 23rd, North Melbourne FC and The Huddle proudly hosted an unforgettable event as part of the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series . Hundreds of people from multicultural and newly arrived communities experienced their very first taste of Aussie Rules Footy, immersing themselves in the energy, excitement, and unity that define the game. At the heart of the day was the Welcome to AFL program, designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game. From learning the basics of kicking, marking, and handballing to stepping onto hallowed ground of Marvel Stadium, attendees got a true hands-on experience. The program also included a stadium tour to help participants familiarise themselves with key facilities such as toilets, prayer rooms, and sensory rooms—ensuring they felt comfortable and included throughout their visit. Adding to the excitement, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and North Melbourne Kangaroos players George Wardlaw and Josh Goater joined the activities. Their presence and interaction with the participants made a lasting impact, offering invaluable insights and encouragement straight from the pros. The event welcomed over 200 enthusiastic participants from the City of Wyndham , one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing regions. With a projected population of over 500,000 by 2040—exceeding the population of Tasmania—Wyndham is quickly becoming a major hub of diverse cultures and potential footy fans. For many attendees, this was their first encounter with Aussie Rules Footy, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. One young participant shared, “I want to play footy. When I go to school, I’m going to play footy.” Others marvelled at the stadium itself, with one surprising observation: “When I touched the grass, it was so soft.” By the time the game started, multiple stadium bays were filled with new Kangas supporters, waving flags and cheering at full volume. The excitement was infectious, with some participants so engrossed in the game that they even lost their voices from cheering so passionately. This event was a powerful demonstration of how sport can transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing communities together through a shared passion. At North Melbourne FC and The Huddle, we continue to pave the way in fostering inclusivity, ensuring that Aussie Rules Footy remains a welcoming sport for all. As the final siren sounded, it was clear that the event had done more than introduce a game—it had ignited a new wave of enthusiasm and belonging within the community. For many, this was just the beginning of their journey into the world of footy. Previous Next

W2AFL Lands in Launceston and Hobart across 2 exciting weekends. < Back Welcome 2 AFL, Tasmania Ella Marsh 9 Nov 2023 W2AFL Lands in Launceston and Hobart across 2 exciting weekends. The Welcome to AFL program is making waves by engaging with international students, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and newly arrived members of the community. In a safe and welcoming environment, the program introduces them to the world of AFL, promoting a sense of belonging and ensuring participation in Australia's beloved sporting culture. A group of 60 participants had the opportunity to experience AFL and AFLW across two exciting weekends in Hobart and Launceston. Many had never attended an AFL game before, but through the program, they not only witnessed the North Melbourne vs. Melbourne match but also the game against the Brisbane Lions. After attending Welcome to AFL, The NMFC membership team provided all participants with a 3 game membership to maintain their enthusiasm to attend further AFL and AFLW games. This instalment of "Welcome to AFL" (W2AFL) was held at Blundstone Arena which included a presentation and a unique opportunity for participants to engage with AFLW stars Nicole Bresnahan and Ellie Gavalas in a Q&A session. The attendees were then divided into two groups: UTAS students took part in a clinic conducted by AFL Tasmania, Nicole Bresnahan, and Ellie Gavalas, where they learned to handball and kick. Meanwhile, the Migrant Resource Centre group enjoyed a tour of the stadium, exploring various areas such as function spaces, private boxes, the gym, oval, coaches' boxes, and changerooms. After the activities, they swapped groups and received giveaways and tickets to the upcoming match against Melbourne. UTAS international student, Rosie, shared her experience from her first W2AFL session; “I’m from Wales and arrived in July and I’m spending a year here (Hobart) studying at UTAS. The North Melbourne vs Melbourne match was the first AFL game I’ve seen, I hadn’t heard of AFL until I came to Australia! I thought it was a really interesting game but not what I expected, I thought it would be more like rugby I think, I really enjoyed the game though and am hoping to give it a go and play it for the college next semester!” – Rosie Llewellyn The Welcome to AFL program aims to open the doors to the world of AFL and form connections within the community. The program's success in both Hobart and Launceston has paved the way for further expansion in Hobart and Launceston, where AFL and AFLW games will continue to be a source of excitement and connection. Previous Next

< Back Celebrate National Science Week Download free sports themed STEM lessons to celebrate National Science Week Previous Next

Huddle Participants take part in the Guard of Honour at Marvel Stadium < Back Huddle Day at Round 14 v Western Bulldogs Previous Next