< Back Official Launch for GOAL! Motorsport Australia A STEM education initiative designed to bring the excitement of Motorsport into classrooms across the country. David Middlemast Previous Next

Ten male participants took a leap and climbed high in the first ever HIStory Camp < Back HIStory Camp debuts Riley Goodwin 29 Nov 2021 Ten male participants took a leap and climbed high in the first ever HIStory Camp In the serene location of Anglesea, ten male participants took a leap and climbed high in the first ever HIStory Camp. Facilitated by Cali Bukurow the Coordinator, Social Cohesion – Children and Young People, the camp saw the ten participants aged 12-25 head down by the coast to YMCA Anglesea for a two-day action-packed experience. Based on the female equivalent HERstory Camp, the program aims to increase group participation and build connections among all participants. The camp activities kicked off with challenges of new heights, with the high rope course. The activity gave the young men a chance to bond and showcase their teamwork and motivational skills as they navigated through the obstacles. Shortly after, participants decked themselves in lifejackets and helmets, with paddles in hand for an afternoon of canoeing. With three participants per canoe, the young men collaborated together and practiced good communication to ensure they were a smooth sailing team. “I was really looking forward to the canoeing activity.” Said one participant, Yunus. Early on Sunday morning, the young men tackled the wall climb. Another opportunity to build confidence amongst the participants, as well as getting active. The final day of HIStory was topped off with games of indoor soccer and basketball where everyone got a chance to shoot some hoops and kick it like Salah. This was followed by a round at the archery area, finessing their sharp shooting skills. “So much fun! Wish the camp days were longer” participant James said. In partnership with YMCA Victoria and the Victorian State Government, HIStory provides men with culturally appropriate activities to engage young men, connect and build networks as well as pushing participants out of their comfort zones. Previous Next

An 8-year Surfing Adventure with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea < Back Making Waves in Anglesea Ruth Game 19 Feb 2024 An 8-year Surfing Adventure with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea The collaborative effort between Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC), Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea (GRAW) and The Huddle created another joyous beach experience for young participants and their parents this January. The generous provision of wetsuits and surf lessons from GRAW, coupled with the dedication of ASLSC volunteers, has each year become one of the major highlights of The Huddle calendar. This initiative, beginning in 2016 and now funded by The Department of Education and Bendigo Bank Seddon introduces first-timers to the beach, teaches skills for water competency and provides a quintessential Australian experience all by the generosity of the Anglesea community. Since the beginning of this partnership, over 150 wetsuits and 8 surf lessons provided by GRAW, there has been enthusiastic participation of ASLSC volunteers and the wider club over 9 visits to their venue, and overwhelming positive feedback from 300+ participants. "I was so impressed with the patience and enthusiasm that the young water safety volunteers displayed. They genuinely made the days of so many young people." – Huddle Staff Member In 2016, families living in Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne and Ascot Vale were invited to brainstorm ideas for a Huddle school holiday program to keep youth engaged over the break. The concept of a Surf Trip began to form, and The Huddle reached out to Go Ride A Wave and Anglesea was quickly suggested as a suitable location for beginners. From there, a relationship with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club was established and has strengthened year on year. ASLSC’s Nippers, volunteers, and young people have been keeping other young people and their families safe in the water and have shared in the joy of many participants’ first time at the beach. Three themes have emerged from this partnership over the years; the importance of water competency, social inclusion, and providing what is a quintessential Australian experience; a day at the beach with a snag. "I was so excited, and a bit nervous. I got dumped by a wave but I will definitely come back next year!” - Participant The generous contribution of wetsuits and surf lessons by GRAW has been a game-changer. Paired with the dedication of ASLSC volunteers and their newly renovated venue, the event has been meticulously organised every year. Partnering with GRAW and ASLSC has ensured the sustainability of such a well-loved program. “I was so impressed with the patience and enthusiasm that the young water safety volunteers displayed. They genuinely made the days of so many young people." – Huddle Staff Member “I can’t emphasise enough how loved this day is by the families we work with and that’s in huge part to the warmth and generosity of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club.” – Huddle staff member The success of this place-based partnerships initiative funded by the Department of Education and Bendigo Bank Seddon paves the way for future collaborations with ASLSC and Go Ride a Wave Anglesea. The Huddle is committed to expanding this program, ensuring more young people can experience the joy of the ocean in a safe and supportive environment. “The waves are kinda hard and I was like oh my god, I was really scared... I had a try and then it was really fun!” – Huddle participant To support initiatives like these and make a lasting impact on young lives, consider contributing to The Huddle's mission. Your support can help create more memorable experiences and positive transformations for the community. Previous Next

Empower students to discover who they are, by developing an understanding of how their values and attributes shape their identity.  Empower students to discover who they are, by developing an understanding of how their values and attributes shape their identity. DSC01332.jpg Screenshot 2024-01-25 at 10.56.53 am.png DSC01341.jpg DSC01332.jpg 1/8 True North workshops empower young people to discover who they are. Participants reflect upon and share their story, developing an understanding of how their values and attributes shape their identity and future pathways. Teachers at schools in the North Melbourne and Wyndham areas in Levels 5–12* can engage The Huddle to facilitate workshops for their students across four consecutive weeks. Please note: due to AFL zoning agreements, your school must be located in the City of Melbourne, Moonee Valley, or Wyndham to be eligible to participate. Schools outside these zones are encouraged to get in touch via email to be the first to hear about future opportunities. The program comprises two core packages, My True North and Our True North, plus an introductory package for Level 4 students called Team True North. Team True North (Level 4) Team True North is an introductory program designed to build foundational social and collaborative skills. Students participate in workshops focused on: Similarities and differences Emotions Conflict Collaboration My True North My True North is a transformative program that empowers students to develop intrapersonal skills, equipping them to navigate challenges, embrace change, and foster a growth mindset. Students participate in workshops focused on: Grit Values Mindset Identity Our True North Our True North is designed to empower students by strengthening collaborative abilities and fostering empathy within their peer groups. Students participate in workshops focused on: Connections Emotional Intelligence Teamwork Leadership *While this content is best suited to students in upper primary, it can be adapted for older students. Many students attending local primary and secondary schools will have already completed some sessions in Years 5 or 6. Ready to get started? Email us to secure your workshops in 2026. FIND OUT MORE The True North program was able to give me the confidence to better understand those around me, but more importantly myself. I loved being involved and it was so much fun Ivan, True North participant Previous Next

Access to subject specific volunteer tutors, internet access, and a dedicated study space, all at no cost to participants. Access to subject specific volunteer tutors, internet access, and a dedicated study space, all at no cost to participants. DSC05098.jpg DSC05105.jpg DSC05090.jpg DSC05098.jpg 1/4 Study Squad is a safe drop in study space for young people aged 12-25 years to learn, grow and belong while receiving academic support. The program offers subject specific volunteer tutors, internet access, and a dedicated study space, at no cost to participants. Study Squad runs across two locations: NORTH MELBOURNE When: Every Monday during the school term Time: 3.30pm – 6.30pm Where: The Huddle North Melbourne, 204-206 Arden St, North Melbourne 3051 TARNEIT When: Every Thursday during the school term Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm Where: Tarneit Community Learning Centre, 150 Sunset Views Blvd, Tarneit 3029 Please note that Study Squad does not run during the first week of each school term. REGISTER I can’t believe it; the renovation (at Arden St) is so cool. I want to be a part of The Huddle forever. I have been coming here for so long, I love this new space. It looks so cool... This is such a nice place to do homework. Year 10 participant Previous Next

Empowering women through sport, building confidence, and creating connection across Australia. < Back More than Sport: Supporting Women and building belonging Emily Maiorana 10 Mar 2026 Empowering women through sport, building confidence, and creating connection across Australia. Community Hubs Australia and The Huddle have partnered to deliver Social Sport and Active Recreation programs to women across Australia, creating welcoming spaces where connection and confidence can thrive. Huddle Up! In Community hubs begin in term 3 2025, launching in Wyndham and Greater Western Sydney with 13 Community Hubs, hitting the ground running with one clear aim- to empower women and increase participation within social sport. The program has seen women feel more confident within themselves, shoot their first netball goal and throw their first sports ball. In addition, it has allowed culturally diverse women to become more connected with their community and make strong friendships. In early February, we touched down in Hume and were immediately struck by the strong sense of belonging. “I’m pleased to see the women smiling and laughing,” says Nayana, Good Samaritan Hub Leader. The program is helping women, broaden their knowledge of sport, and build self esteem in a supportive environment. In a short time, it has already made a meaningful impact, with more than 40 women participating in weekly sessions within the Hume region and over 380 across all Community Hubs. Many have also extended their involvement beyond the program, bringing their families along to community events such as the Annual Huddle Iftar and Welcome to AFL. Most inspiring of all is the ripple effect: through sport, mothers are discovering new strengths, and embracing growth, and modelling confidence, and in turn, their children are inspired to do the same. To get involved head to our landing page here. Previous Next

We had a chat to former participant Nyaguich about her experience at The Huddle with all our awesome volunteers < Back Participant Q&A: Nyaguich Riley Goodwin 10 Jan 2022 We had a chat to former participant Nyaguich about her experience at The Huddle with all our awesome volunteers We had a chat to former participant Nyaguich about her experience at The Huddle with all our awesome volunteers. She has been involved with The Huddle for many years and is currently on the team as an amazing Administration Intern. How long have you been coming to the Huddle? Since 2013, when I was doing my hospitality course I came here to get help. I heard about it from a friend who knew The Huddle. She told me North Melbourne had a football club and in there was a place that helped you with studying [Study Squad]. So you’ve been to Study Squad and you’ve also been involved with our volunteer, Heidi, through Game Changers? I worked with Heidi to help me get a job and then I worked with other volunteers who helped me with my studies. Are there any volunteers that stand out in your mind that you’ve worked with? I worked with Tim, Heidi and then David. And plenty more volunteers but I don’t remember their names. A few of them are quite like family, because when I got my citizenship here in 2014 they came along. You originally came here when you were studying hospitality, and then did you go on to study something else? Yes, I did hospitality from 2013 and then I finished in 2015. In 2017 I started an accounting course from Certificate IV, then a Diploma, and then an Advanced Diploma. The team helped me through this course. Are you studying anything now? At the moment I’m doing a Certificate IV in Disability because I didn’t get a job in accounting and because I don’t have experience, so now I do the course one day a week. You’re going to be very educated getting a lot of qualifications! This is a Plan B for me, because if I get a job I can work. I’ve been working as a waitress for almost nine years, I want to change it. I think I deserve to change to another new job in accounting but I had no experience before I got this internship [with The Huddle]. What kept bringing you back to The Huddle for all those years? What was it that you were getting out of coming? I live close to here, not very far away and the help from The Huddle is amazing. And now I have an internship here at The Huddle, which is amazing. When you come in to Study Squad, do you normally work with volunteers, or do you work on your own? Yes, before my internship I came here for my disability course to get help because English is my second language. I come here to get help. Did you speak any English before moving to Australia? What year did you move here? No. I moved to Australia in 2009 from Ethiopia. I learnt from The Huddle. What have you gotten out of coming to The Huddle? What I get from here, I don’t know how I can express my feelings of The Huddle. From 2013, I learnt how to go through school, now I got this internship opportunity. It has given me more confidence, especially in my accounting course. When I finished it, I was thinking “oh what am I going to do?”. I kept applying and got no jobs, because when you don’t have experience no one knows who you are and then this internship will give me the opportunity. I can put it on my resumé and it can help me to build my career. I feel like I’m ready, ready for an accounting job! I know what I’m doing, I’m confident about the data entry, data analysis, it’s amazing. Did the volunteers make you feel welcome? Yes, people here are very welcoming. I feel confident, I feel Study Squad is home for me. When I come here I feel safe and relaxed. I know everyone here, I know everyone’s name, it’s amazing. Do you have a thought in particular that stands out to you in your time coming to The Huddle? I think friendly. I feel like they are friendly and give me opportunity here. The help I receive is amazing. For me I recommend this place to anyone I know, whether they’re struggling to find a job or for help with study. I can recommend The Huddle is a good place to go if you need any kind of help. Previous Next

A fun and memorable way to engage the whole class in mathematical learning < Back A reflection on NBA Math Hoops Thomas O’Halloran – 5/6 Teacher at Moreland Primary School 5 Sept 2022 A fun and memorable way to engage the whole class in mathematical learning As a teacher, I have no doubt that effective teaching has the most significant impact on student learning outside influences in the home. However, effective teaching takes time and investment. The 2021 Grattan survey reports that 92% of teachers frequently feel that they do not have enough time to prepare for effective teaching. I am one of those teachers, spending endless unpaid hours planning each week to ensure I am delivering effective and engaging lessons. I am always on the hunt for fun and memorable learning resources, especially the lessons that capture the minds and hearts of the students. They must be easy to implement and enable me to work smarter - not harder. So, when I saw the Huddle promoting NBA Math Hoops, a board game that promised to leverage sport in the classroom to maximise student engagement, I was open to giving it a go. As a sports and maths fan, I immediately recognised the power of a board game that leverages basketball to engage students in mathematics. After completing the teacher training (thankfully, a painless, super-informative online 90-minute workshop), I was impressed by the game's potential to shift the mindset of students who consider themselves to be 'bad at maths'. While initially excited, it wasn't until I received the FREE class set that I was blown away by the high quality of the board game. The game was fun, colourful, and the player cards were attention-grabbing. I also recently found out that Hasbro, the creators of Monopoly, are also the creators of NBA Math Hoops. The NBA Math Hoops game formula is simple in its utilisation of “the four C’s”. Students must collaborate, communicate, think critically and creatively to win. The in-school NBA Math Hoops draft was pure chaotic bliss. Students were scrambling to review player cards, deciphering statistics, using multiplicative thinking, debating player selection with peers, and justifying their decisions. It is always wonderful to watch students practising the skills that will equip them to navigate and thrive in our ever-changing world. I love how the game establishes intrinsic motivation in students to build upon and use their mathematical knowledge. The associated lesson plans effectively scaffold students to practice the relevant mathematical skill while gradually layering the game rules. This means that I didn’t have to be the game expert, and what's more, I liked that I could adapt the rules to support or challenge every student in my class. To sum up my experience, NBA Math Hoops was a series of wonderful surprises. While compiling the semester reports, I was astonished by how many students referenced NBA Math Hoops in their reflective comments, many describing the game as a fun way to learn maths - even students who declare themselves as ‘bad at maths’. Like sneaking vegetables into a pasta sauce, NBA Math Hoops is stealth learning! I would highly recommend the board game and accompanying resources to any educator looking for a way to engage their whole class in mathematical learning, whilst offering a fun and memorable experience that will be a highlight of the school year. To find out more about NBA Math Hoops, please click here Previous Next

A day of bowling and mini-golf < Back Hitting the lanes and sinking putts at Strike Jasper Menor 22 Jan 2025 A day of bowling and mini-golf We hit the lanes and the greens at Strike Bowling and Holey Moley in Point Cook for some friendly competition. Our game of bowling came down to the final roll with clutch strikes and spares kept us on the edge of our seats - talk about a dramatic finish! It was a cruisy start on the green, but the final hole had us all screaming "Holey Moley!". It was a perfect mix of challenging and hilarious. Whether it's bowling or mini-golf, Strike Bowling and Holey Moley are the go-to spots for a fun filled day out! Previous Next

An exciting day of sports and learning! < Back The Grange P-12 students visit The Huddle: A day of sports and learning Joshua Raymer 7 Aug 2024 An exciting day of sports and learning! On August 5 and 6, a lucky group of sports science students from Years 4, 5, and 6 at The Grange P-12 visited The Huddle for an exciting experience. The students took part in The Huddle's Game Day and True North programs, where they enjoyed a day full of sport-themed STEM and personal development activities. One special highlight of the visits was when students were able to meet North Melbourne AFLW players during their club photo shoot, which made the day even more memorable. "My favourite part about today was when we got to work with new people and celebrate success." - Student, The Grange This visit was particularly meaningful, as the students travelled a long way from Hoppers Crossing to North Melbourne. The visit illustrated the strong relationship between The Huddle and The Grange, as The Grange has already been involved in events like the North Melbourne Community Camp and completed several True North modules in previous years. Thanks to the resounding success of this visit, The Grange will continue to participate in addition Huddle programs such as GOAL! and NBA Math Hoops . "It's been awesome to see the kids working together in teams and just working on different skills in a different environment outside the classroom which has been really nice." - Teacher, The Grange The visit not only showcased the power of sport in bringing people together, but it also highlighted the commitment of both The Huddle and The Grange in fostering positive, impactful experiences for young students to help them learn, grow, and belong. Previous Next

A full-on day of maths, sportspersonship and fun! < Back An Unforgettable Day at the NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship 18 Sept 2024 A full-on day of maths, sportspersonship and fun! On September 4, the 2024 NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship brought together over 120 Grade 5 and 6 students from six schools. Hosted at Arden St, the event was an electrifying mix of brainpower, sportspersonship, and sheer excitement as students competed for the title of "The Huddle Math Hoops 2024 Victorian State Champions" and, of course, that shiny trophy! The championship kicked off with three nail-biting rounds that saw students flex their maths skills and quick thinking under pressure. After some tight competition, the Elite Eight were chosen to advance to the semi-finals, each team determined to make it to the top. The excitement reached a serious peak as the final two teams went head-to-head, battling for ultimate glory and the championship title. While the competition was fierce, the day was about more than just winning. Throughout the event, students demonstrated incredible sportspersonship and teamwork. The "Huddle Heroes"—students who went above and beyond to support their peers—cheered on competitors, proving that kindness and respect are just as important as coming out on top. Their display of honesty and heart was a true highlight of the event. Just when it seemed the day couldn’t get any better, the Math Hoops participants were surprised with a visit from the AFLW North Melbourne Kangaroos! Star players Jenna Bruton, Kim Rennie and Ash Riddell joined in the fun, receiving a crash course in NBA Math Hoops from the students themselves. The interaction between the young competitors and professional athletes added an extra layer of excitement and inspiration to the day. A massive thanks to Learn Fresh, NBA Math Hoops, and the Department of Education. We’d also like to extend a special shoutout to the schools who participated and helped make the day unforgettable: - St Andrew’s Primary School - St Justin’s Parish Primary School - St Mary’s Primary School - Ascot Vale West Primary School - Silverton Primary School - St Damian’s Primary School The 2024 NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championship was a day to remember. We already can't wait for next year! Previous Next

A celebration of youth, energy, and community. < Back Ramadan Soccer Tournament: Uniting Communities Through Sport at North Melbourne Moukhtar Daher 2 Apr 2025 A celebration of youth, energy, and community. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/90d451_ac3b301d33d24f7fb5114aafd37d61b2/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 The Ramadan Soccer Tournament at the North Melbourne Recreational Centre was held in partnership with AMSSA Youth Connect over three weekends in March, with games played on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm – 1am, allowing those observing Ramadan to fully participate. Eight teams, predominantly from North Melbourne, Flemington, and Kensington participated in this vibrant and energetic competition with strong support from local families and community leaders, showcasing the power of sport to foster community spirit and youth engagement. Ramadan Soccer Tournament Highlights: Stronger Community & Connection; The tournament brought together 8 competitive teams and over 150 spectators each night , creating an electric atmosphere. Beyond the sport, it fostered deep connections across generations, strengthening bonds between youth, parents, and community leaders. Resilience & Mental Strength; Players demonstrated remarkable perseverance, competing while fasting and attending night prayers. They adapted to the physical and mental challenges of Ramadan, developing a resilient mindset and learning to manage stress more effectively. Spiritual & Personal Growth; Participants reported a heightened sense of faith and motivation , with many expressing that their experiences reinforced the belief that "anything is possible with faith." The discipline built during the tournament extended beyond Ramadan, helping players form better habits in nutrition, fitness, and daily routines. Physical & Athletic Development; Competing while fasting pushed players to new limits, enhancing stamina, endurance, and overall fitness. This was particularly evident among those playing at a professional level, such as in the Melbourne Premier League (MPL), who noted performance improvements. Breaking Barriers & Fostering Inclusion; By bringing together young people from diverse communities across Melbourne, the tournament became more than just a game—it was a platform for overcoming social and cultural divides, encouraging teamwork, unity, and mutual respect. Young people in the inner city areas of North Melbourne, Flemington and Kensington face a lack of organised, engaging and affordable activities. Especially during Ramadan many often struggle to find positive outlets for their energy, particularly during the evenings after breaking their fast. The tournament sought to create an inclusive space where young people could come together to stay active, engage with their peers, and experience a sense of community. Additionally, there was a need for an event that bridged the gap between neighbouring North Melbourne communities and youth from other suburbs, including Dandenong and Wyndham - Hoppers Crossing, to connect. The aim was to provide a platform for healthy competition and interaction, all while fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the community. The Ramadan Soccer Tournament provided the perfect solution to these challenges. By organising an exciting and inclusive event during the Ramadan period, young people were given a healthy, engaging activity that kept them active and involved in their community. The tournament not only offered an outlet for physical activity but also created an environment where players from diverse backgrounds could form friendships and break down social barriers. Each night the event brought around 80 participants together with more than 150 regular spectators - comprising local youths, parents, and community leaders, filling the North Melbourne Recreational Centre with energy and excitement. The tournament's success was built on its ability to foster both competition and camaraderie among the youth. This environment encouraged personal growth, teamwork, and leadership among the young athletes, while also strengthening the bonds between the wider community and local leaders. The tournament successfully achieved its goal of engaging youth and building community spirit. The packed recreation centre, with its buzzing atmosphere, was a testament to how sports can energise and unify a community. Moreover, the event's ability to bridge the gap between different neighbourhoods was a significant achievement, helping to foster greater understanding and friendships across diverse groups, and reinforcing the tournament's role in community-building. "It’s amazing to see so many young people come together for the tournament from all different parts of Melbourne, all with one common goal—to play soccer and build community. and then to win that tournament, I’m going home happy." – Tournament Participant/ player of winning team Previous Next