< Back Leaping Into Employment Riley's Game Changers Story Emily Maiorana Previous Next

< Back Proving Success Has No Single Path Mohamed turned his love for sport and passion for helping other into a career. Zakaria Farah Previous Next

The Next Generation in Schools Program < Back Inspiring the Next Generation Xavier Smith 29 June 2023 The Next Generation in Schools Program The Next Generation in Schools (NGS) program, developed by the North Melbourne Football Club, is an initiative aimed at igniting passion and participation for Australian Rules Football and the North Melbourne Kangaroos among young people in Melbourne, Wyndham, and Tasmania. With a focus on increasing football participation, fostering brand awareness for the club, and promoting the values of The Huddle, the NGS program has emerged as a launchpad for inspiring the next generation of football enthusiasts. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5d909f_591ff3167be249ae8f4c18f747116938/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Eddie Ford returns to his old school, Point Cook College P-9, to help run an NGS session with The Huddle team. The NGS program targets children aged 8 to 12 (Grade 3-6), both males and females. The program aims to address two significant challenges: the limited availability of free introductory football programs that offer a positive first experience in a safe environment, and the need to enhance brand awareness for the North Melbourne Football Club within schools. The Next Generation in Schools program provides primary school-aged children with a unique opportunity to learn and experience Australian Rules Football within the familiar environment of their own schools. Through the program, young participants not only gain fundamental football skills but also have the chance to develop teamwork and leadership qualities through engaging game-based activities. The program aims to create a positive and inclusive environment where children can build confidence and explore their potential. For some, the NGS program is their first and, in some cases, only exposure to the AFL. While delivering the program at Bellbridge Primary in Hoppers Crossing, there was one student who initially seemed disengaged, playing with the footy by himself and not fully participating. The teacher revealed that he had recently arrived in the country and didn't speak English, making it challenging for him to comprehend the activities and understand AFL. Understanding the situation, the program facilitator took the initiative to play one-on-one with the student, witnessing the joy he experienced in simply chasing and kicking the footy. As the session progressed, it became evident that he was reluctant to finish or return the football. Recognizing the impact it had on the young boy, the facilitator approached him and explained that he could keep the footy and take it home. From then on, the student brought the footy to school every day, becoming an important tool for him to feel a sense of belonging amongst his new friends. The NGS program has yielded numerous positive outcomes for its participants, including increased physical and mental activity levels, opportunities to connect and learn from The Huddle staff, volunteers, and peers, and the development of confidence to try new things. Additionally, the program has fostered greater trust in external services and support systems. The Next Generation in Schools program has already made a significant impact, reaching almost 20,000 young participants across over 100 schools in the Wyndham, North Melbourne, and Tasmanian regions. The program has extended its influence beyond school grounds through North Melbourne player appearances, which have engaged 2,200 students from 29 different schools and fostered connections with 11 community football clubs. Notably, these initiatives have resulted in 47 new football registrations within the Wyndham area. Educators involved in the NGS program have expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the initiative. They recognize the positive impact the program has on their students, providing opportunities for growth and enjoyment. We love having North Melbourne come back every year, the kids absolutely love learning and playing footy. For many of our kids, it's the only time they will play footy, and they love it. - Educator from participating school Looking ahead, the NGS program aims to continue running clinics throughout Terms 3 and 4, engaging more young people, schools, and educators in the world of Australian Rules Football, The Huddle, and the North Melbourne Football Club. The program's ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation highlights its dedication to fostering a love for the sport and nurturing future football stars. To learn more about NGS, or to register your school’s interest, please click here . Previous Next

A Journey of Personal Growth and Community Connection < Back Community Iftar at North Melbourne FC Previous Next

Empowering youth through football, leadership, and community connection. < Back More Than a Game: Young People Leading the Way Zakaria Farah 5 Feb 2026 Empowering youth through football, leadership, and community connection. On Sunday 25 January 2026, Arden Street Oval in North Melbourne hosted the inaugural African Champions League , a one-day five-a-side tournament that brought young people together during the school holidays through competition, teamwork and leadership. Developed in response to strong interest from young people, the tournament created a space for them to compete, showcase their talent and take the lead. That vision came to life through a partnership with United Through Football , with the tournament bringing together 16 teams across two competitions. The day featured an under 18 junior competition and an under 25 senior competition, creating a full program of matches across the afternoon and evening. A Day on the Pitch Matches kicked off at 12.30pm and ran late into the night, with games played back-to-back across the afternoon and evening. Food was provided, and nearly 200 players, families and community members attended across the day, creating a strong and welcoming atmosphere around the pitch. The standard of play was high throughout the tournament. Elite Football won the junior competition, while Garoon FC took out the senior competition. Youth Leadership in Action A defining feature of the African Champions League was youth leadership. Yaqub, a young leader from the community, was appointed as the designated Tournament Lead and played a key role in planning and delivering the event alongside partners. “As the tournament lead, I wanted to create something positive and competitive that young people could really own. The African Champions League gave us a space to showcase talent, stay connected and bring the community together. Seeing nearly 200 people attend showed how important opportunities like this are for young people.” — Yaqub, Tournament Lead, African Champions League Looking Ahead The African Champions League launched with energy, ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Young people took the stage, the community showed up, and the talent on display spoke for itself. With enthusiasm already building for what comes next, this inaugural tournament feels like the first chapter of something that can grow, inspire and bring even more people together. Previous Next

Samatar Ali's Journey to Empower African Australian Youth < Back The Power of Sport Samantha Weston 12 Sept 2023 Samatar Ali's Journey to Empower African Australian Youth Sport can bring together communities and offer purpose and belonging to all. It has the ability to create positive change and inspire. Samatar Ali is a young person who has harnessed the power of sport and has used his passion for providing a voice to those who are unrepresented, to empower African Australian youth on a global stage. Born in New Zealand, Sam moved to Australia with his grandmother at the age of 14. It did not take long before Sam found himself at home on the basketball court. “That is where I felt the safest…on the basketball court. Everything else going on in the world does not exist there.” As he adjusted to a new culture and school system, he realized that the court was more than just a place to have fun; it was providing him the necessary tools to express himself and feel confident. Through connections made at school, Sam began attending Huddle programs as a teen. Via The Huddle, he was introduced to Larita Academy and the National Basketball League (NBL). It was here that he undertook a three-day workshop with NBL executives that not only expanded his knowledge of the game, but ignited a passion for coaching that would shape his future. “That’s my craft, and I decided that this will be my profession too – coaching is what I want to do.” Recently, Sam had the opportunity to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in partnership with the Scanlon Foundation and The Huddle. Here, he participated in a panel on Economic Empowerment of people of African descent at the United Nations (UN). At the UN, Samatar spoke passionately about the power of sport in providing a sense of belonging for African Australian youth. Samatar and his delegation raised several crucial issues. They emphasized the need for more policy, advocacy, and literacy surrounding the challenges faced by People of African Descent. Unity, both within the community and in governing bodies, was another key point. Samatar emphasized, “I need more people of African descent in these boardrooms to help inform understanding as well as guide progressive decision-making. ” He stressed the importance of representation in decision-making processes. Sport holds a significant place in Australian culture, but unfortunately, it is still not for everyone. Many people who have migrated to Australia from African countries have played sport prior to arriving, but once they have settled in Australia, they can face significant barriers and challenges to participate in organised sport. To truly empower young African Australians, affordable options and pathways to sports need to be accessible and to explore ways to play differently. “Every kid deserves the opportunity to become a better version of themselves, and sport really facilitates that growth.” Reflecting on the trip to Genova, Sam shares that the experience made him more determined than ever to make a difference. It fuelled his passion and his demand for more opportunities for girls and young women. He stresses the need for a careful and focused approach to applying funding where it is needed most. This means acknowledging the grassroots and community aspects of sport, where the key message remains coming together to connect and play for fun. In the wake of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Federal Government has pledged $200M for women’s sports, with Prime Minister Albanese stating that it will “…promote equal access and build more suitable facilities” . More needs to be done to design and play sport differently. The government needs to begin using a system that is not reliant on income streams to stay afloat, such as memberships and uniforms. Support needs to come in the form of listening to what communities need and want to foster sporting availability, quality, and growth. Now that he is back home, Sam's focus is completing his business degree at Victoria University. He is determined to excel in basketball coaching and administration while also collaborating with corporate Australia and government bodies to create real opportunities, access, and equity for people of African Descent. Sam believes this path is his true calling, and by becoming an exceptional teacher, executive, and leader, he hopes to make a lasting impact once he achieves his basketball goals. “The focus every day is to outwork yesterday”. As he continues to learn and grow, Samatar's story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the boundless potential of sport to create positive change. Previous Next

Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp < Back Stories from HERStory Camp Asli Abdullahi 17 July 2023 Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp During the recent school holidays, 19 young girls embarked on a transformative 3-day adventure at Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp. Stepping away from their technological devices, the girls immersed themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors, leaving their comfort zones behind. HERStory Camp provided a unique opportunity for these participants to forge new friendships, build self-confidence, and embrace the wonders of nature. The HERStory Camp offered the girls a chance to learn and embrace a variety of outdoor activities. One highlight was the bush cooking activity, where the participants successfully mastered the art of making damper. Guided by a knowledgeable activity instructor, the girls prepared the damper in bowls before roasting it over a bonfire. The delicious treat was enjoyed with vegemite and butter, creating a moment of connection with First Nations Aboriginal culture. The bush cooking experience not only introduced the girls to a new culinary skill but also became a memorable way to bond and cherish their time together. ‘’The camp was a great experience especially since I learnt how to embrace and appreciate nature. Taking a break from the city life was much needed. Most importantly I made new connections and memorable memories that I’ll never forget.’’ - Inas, Camp Participant HERStory Camp aims to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young girls to break free from their comfort zones. Many participants were attending camp for the first time, including those who had recently arrived in the country. The camp's objective was to create an environment where the girls could build new relationships and gain enriching experiences. Through engaging in outdoor activities and forming deep connections, the participants grew in self-confidence and nurtured a strong sense of sisterhood. The Mount Evelyn Discovery Camp provided a nurturing space for the girls to disconnect from their digital lives and embrace the camp environment fully. Through team-building exercises and shared experiences, the participants developed strong bonds and lasting memories. As they gathered around the campfire, laughter and companionship flourished, and along with it, a newfound appreciation for each other. ‘’In the embrace of the wilderness, I discovered the beauty of nature and the strength within myself. During a moonlit hike, fear tried to overpower me, but the unwavering support of my friends became a guiding light. In that intense moment, determination clashed with fear, revealing a transformative power within me. Together, we gracefully navigated nature's challenges, overcoming treacherous slopes, and forging our own path. With each step, we fostered teamwork, using creativity and solidarity to conquer slippery terrain. Gathered around the campfire, laughter and companionship flourished. Through toasting marshmallows and engaging in deep conversations, personal growth blossomed. The boundary between humanity and nature blurred, unveiling my deep-rooted love for the natural world. This camp experience has left an indelible mark on my spirit, engraving courage, friendship, and self-discovery into my being’’. - Habon, Camp Participant The success and positive impact of HERStory Camp continues to grow, as 30 more youth girls are eagerly anticipating their upcoming camp experience in early October. The program's commitment to fostering camaraderie, self-discovery, and appreciation for nature make it an inspiring journey for young girls seeking to embrace the beauty of the great outdoors and form lasting connections. HERStory Camp's adventure-packed experience empowers young girls to embrace nature, discover their inner strength, and build meaningful friendships. Through captivating activities, laughter-filled nights around the campfire, and shared moments of growth, the participants leave the camp with newfound confidence, unforgettable memories, and the foundation of a sisterhood that transcends boundaries. With each passing camp, HERStory continues to create a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment among CALD girls, enriching lives and creating a place for connection and self-discovery. Previous Next

From Huddle Holidays participant to Huddle Employee < Back Ekram's story Josh Raymer and Maddy Ware 26 Oct 2022 From Huddle Holidays participant to Huddle Employee Ekram is a 17-year-old Wyndham local, and since 2021, has participated in The Huddle’s HERStory camp, multiple Huddle Holidays Basketball Tournament’s, and The Huddle’s Game Changers program. After taking part in many areas of the Huddle and growing in doing so, Ekram is now employed as a Program Support Officer at The Huddle. One Huddle programs that has seen massive growth throughout 2022 is Wyndham’s Study Squad. Due to an increased demand for study support from young people within the Wyndham community, there was a need for a Program Support Officer to join the team to assist young people to complete their study and access free tutoring. Ekram was touted by Huddle staff as a young person that would be a great fit to assist with the program. She had previously demonstrated a desire to work at The Huddle, due to her enjoyment of Huddle programs she had participated in, and experiences she’d heard from other young people that have worked at The Huddle. Ekram first participated in The Huddle through the HERStory camp, an initiative for young women. Ekram attended HERStory with a group of friends, and the camp introduced her to some of the Huddle staff and programs available to her. “The camp was fun being around people I know – I also had to get out of my comfort zone when meeting new people. It was my first-time meeting everyone at The Huddle, and I felt like I had a connection with the staff, which made me want to keep coming back to other Huddle programs.” From there, Ekram participated in multiple Huddle basketball tournaments. Basketball is a huge passion of Ekram’s, and her involvement in multiple women’s only Huddle Slam’s strengthened her connection with The Huddle. Ekram also attended a Youth Employment forum organised by The Huddle’s Social Cohesion Team, and this led to her involvement with Game Changers – The Huddle’s employment program. Through the Game Changers program, Ekram was able to develop her employability skills, and she registered despite having a casual job already. After meeting with the Careers Coordinator, Ekram advised she would like to be considered for future opportunities at The Huddle as she had been involved in many of the programs and wanted to highlight her skills in a paid capacity. Prior to Ekram’s interview at The Huddle, she worked with the Huddle’s Careers Coordinator, Maddy Ware, on interview preparation and displaying her skills in a professional setting. During Ekram’s interview, she was able to highlight her previous experience and skills and demonstrated how she would adopt and amplify The Huddle’s values if she were to be successful. With the support of the Careers Coordinator’s scaffolded interview questions, Ekram was able to clearly demonstrate times she had utilized skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership which led her to be successful in gaining the position of Program Support Officer, supporting Wyndham’s Study Squad program as an employee as opposed to participant. “I felt nervous coming in, but when I saw Josh and Maddy (Huddle co-ordinators), I felt more comfortable and more excited to complete the interview. It went smoothly, and I felt I answered questions to the best of my ability because I felt at ease." Ekram started as Program Support Officer at The Huddle in September this year. Ekram’s role assists young people with achieving their education goals, feeling welcome in space, and most importantly involves being able to relate to the young people that come into the Huddle. Ekram’s addition to Study Squad has further strengthened the connection between program attendees and The Huddle, and there is now a greater amount of support provided for attendees. Ekram is developing her skills in working with young people, managing databases and systems, creating a network of industry professionals, supporting others to achieve their goals and much more. The photo above shows Ekram on her very first day working on the Huddle team. She is also a role model for Study Squad attendees and has demonstrated a strong connection with participants. Ekram has also started to assist with other programs such as Huddle Holidays, with more opportunities to come. The Huddle is greater for having Ekram involved. “I feel like I have connected with young people in a way that I didn’t think I could, and I’ve learned how to talk to new people, I feel more confident in running the program and I’m gaining an awareness in what needs to happen to manage the program successfully” Ekram shared some of her hopes for the future, and that she wants “...to be a lawyer; I want to go to university and study law. I’m currently in Year 11, about to go into Year 12, so I want to complete my secondary schooling and go on to get industry experience. I really want to get into Migration law, to help people that need assistance settling in Australia.” Ekram’s story demonstrates how important it is to have young people involved in the delivery of The Huddle’s programs to maximize the opportunity for growth, learning and belonging for all participants. Previous Next

< Back Recapping Huddle Holidays Summer 2025 That’s a wrap! Reliving and remembering the Summer Huddle Holidays! Patrick McPhee Previous Next

< Back The Huddle launches new 2024-2026 strategy The Huddle is excited to announce its new strategy for 2024-2026, designed to empower all young people to feel like they belong in the places they learn, work, and play. Previous Next

Discover how 200 young people owned the summer. < Back Beyond the Break: Huddle Holidays Igniting New Passions This Summer Xavier Smith 6 Feb 2026 Discover how 200 young people owned the summer. Over 200 young people from across Melbourne and Wyndham came together this summer to learn new skills, build friendships, and grow their confidence. Huddle Holidays Summer 2026 has officially wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of new experiences and strengthened community ties. Across seven vibrant activities, our Junior and Senior programs provided a safe, inclusive, and enriching space for young people to make the most of their school holidays. From the quiet concentration of a movie day to the high-energy courts of the Australian Open, the program was designed to foster social connection, health and wellbeing, and personal growth for every participant. Exploring and Creating: Junior Program (8–12 years old) Our Junior program was all about exploration and skill-building. Across four targeted activities, young people were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Melbourne Museum: Participants became explorers for a day, navigating the museum's vast galleries to uncover the wonders of history and science. This excursion sparked curiosity and gave juniors the chance to learn in an immersive, world-class environment. Softball Superclinic in Truganina: Delivered by our fantastic partners at Softball Victoria , this high-energy clinic focused on the fundamentals of the game. From picking up a bat for the first time to running the bases, participants built physical coordination and confidence on the pitch. Crafternoon: Our "Crafternoon" transformed the room into a hub of color and imagination. Juniors engaged in hands-on creative projects, allowing them to express themselves artistically while developing fine motor skills and sharing ideas with peers. Movie Day: After a busy summer of movement, our in-house Movie Day provided a much-needed space for relaxation. Young people enjoyed a shared cinematic experience in a welcoming environment, strengthening social bonds through low-pressure downtime. Independence and Teamwork: Senior Program (13–18 years old) The Senior program focused on empowering young people through independence and team-based challenges. By providing a supportive environment, the program helped participants build the confidence to tackle new physical and social hurdles. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): Taking to the water offered a unique lesson in balance and resilience. Seniors worked together to navigate the waves, encouraging one another as they mastered the basics of SUP in a session that blended physical fitness with outdoor fun. The Australian Open: Through the support of the Australian Tennis Foundation , our seniors experienced the electric atmosphere of elite professional sport. Witnessing world-class athletes in action at a major tournament inspired many to see the possibilities of where dedication and practice can lead. Female-Only Volleyball Tournament: This tournament was more than just a competition; it was a space for young women to take the lead. Players demonstrated incredible teamwork and spirit, competing in a supportive environment that celebrated both athletic effort and community connection. A Community Where Everyone Belongs At the heart of Huddle Holidays is the desire to make every young person feel seen and valued. This summer, the feedback from our participants highlighted the inclusive culture that defines The Huddle. "I like the supportive and welcoming community of The Huddle the most. They try to make you feel included and comfortable in every event and no one feels excluded." — Program Participant Another participant noted that the program opened their eyes to new possibilities: "The program offers things I have never thought of doing and gives me new interests." Looking Ahead As we look back on a summer of growth and fun, we are reminded of the power of accessible, inclusive programming. We are proud to see our young people returning to school with new stories, new friends, and a greater sense of belonging. A huge thank you to our participants, families, staff, volunteers and partners, including the Department of Education, Community Bank Seddon, City of Melbourne, Wyndham City Council, The Y, HOKA and Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, for making this program possible. We can’t wait to do it all again. We'll see you for the next Huddle Holidays during the Easter break! Previous Next

Ascot Vale West Primary School Students Battle It Out In NBA Math Hoops! < Back NBA Math Hoops in Action at Ascot Vale West PS! 23 Aug 2024 Ascot Vale West Primary School Students Battle It Out In NBA Math Hoops! Ascot Vale West Primary School students gave it their best on the NBA Math Hoops courts to secure a spot at the NBA Math Hoops Victorian State Championships in September this year. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/dcc097_4b81fa32c1cf408f98b8416280cc15fe/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Students from grades 5 and 6 played three rounds of NBA Math Hoops, where they put their maths skills to the test and showed honourable sportsmanship towards their teammates and opponents. NBA Math Hoops is a comprehensive learning program featuring a board game and curriculum that motivates students to learn fundamental maths skills through the game of basketball. The program is free for all school teachers thanks to our friends @nbamathhoops and @learn_fresh - learn more about how you can access the board game here. Previous Next