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Women’s Workout is a group fitness program designed exclusively for women < Back Cultural Exercise Empowerment Asli Abdullahi 24 Aug 2022 Women’s Workout is a group fitness program designed exclusively for women Women’s Workout is a group fitness program designed exclusively for women. Facilitated by our female instructors, our Women’s Workout program encourages women of all ages and fitness levels to keep active and meet new, likeminded women in a safe and inclusive environment. Iskufilan is a monthly support forum for women and mothers from multicultural communities that is held monthly in Footscray. This month, The Huddle combined these two successful programs to create a very special Iskufilan Women’s Workout. The focus of this group was on teaching Somali women the importance of physical activity and all its accompanying mental health benefits. It was an environment where they can be themselves, and they can work out in a culturally sensitive environment where there were no men present – an incredibly important cultural difference to mainstream gym and workout environments and regimes. The challenge that was outlined and addressed with this session was a lack of exercise among Somali mothers. An obstacle that most of these women expressed that they faced was insufficient spaces for modest women to work out that is catered to only women. The Huddle was able to overcome this obstacle and aid these women in learning basic exercise skills that they can continue going forward with in their own homes. As well as this, the session provided a safe space for the women to socialise, be themselves, and gain an authentic support network with different women from the community. The support the women received with the exercise was as important as the delivery method - one that is as easily digestible and empowering as it is suited to their needs. The Iskufilan Women’s Workout provided a space for women to put themselves first, spend time working on themselves and improving their key health indicators, as well as socialise and forget about their home-life responsibilities for a short while. I really enjoy the program and seeing the people. - Fatima Ali Gass This special group of Somali women are now taking initiative with their self-care, overall health, and wellbeing which was initially a large oversight in the community. Many women from the sessions experienced noticeable improvements and are maintaining the importance of exercise for their health and wellbeing. 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

Mohamed turned his love for sport and passion for helping other into a career. < Back Proving Success Has No Single Path Zakaria Farah 6 Oct 2025 Mohamed turned his love for sport and passion for helping other into a career. Mohamed Habib - Managing Director | Physiotherapist Mohamed’s story is what How We Move is all about. Growing up in the same neighbourhoods many young people know well, he turned his love of sport and passion for helping others into a career that’s changing lives. Today, Mohamed is the Managing Director of A Plus Physiotherapy , a clinic he founded to help people recover, move freely, and get back to doing what they love. But Mohamed is more than just a business owner and physiotherapist. He’s still that community kid you’ll find playing soccer at the park, spending time with family and friends, and showing up for those around him. His journey proves that success doesn’t follow one script — it’s about finding your own way and giving back as you go. This is why we created How We Move — to share real stories of young people carving their own paths, showing that success looks different for everyone. No scripted journeys, just honest voices proving there’s more than one way to move forward. How We Move is a series that captures the different ways voices from our communities navigate life, pursue their dreams and make an impact. “Move” is about more than motion. It is moving through challenges, moving towards opportunities and moving forward in our own way. This series shares the real stories of voices who turned challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. Each journey reminds us there is no single definition of success. What matters is how we move towards it and the possibilities we open up along the way. Previous Next

< Back Welcome to AFL, Round 6 v Hawthorn Our biggest Welcome To AFL ever! Previous Next

< Back 2023 Summer Huddle Holidays Volleyball Previous Next

Join the local community in breaking fast during Ramadan < Back The Huddle's 2023 Iftar Cassandra Hadson 24 Apr 2023 Join the local community in breaking fast during Ramadan The City of Melbourne is proudly diverse, with more than 56 per cent of residents having been born overseas. In North Melbourne, almost seven per cent of the community observe Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, marked by a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. On March 30, The Huddle held a community iftar, inviting members from the local North Melbourne public housing estate, community leaders, program participants and their families. It was important for this event to be inclusive of all community, rather than concentrated on community elders and leaders. With COVID-19 and venue refurbishments across 2020, 2021 and 2022, the event was a great opportunity to connect with a community who have experienced a difficult few years and have not had access to the spaces and places in which they feel most comfortable. The Huddle's 2023 iftar dinner involved members from the local North Melbourne public housing estate, community leaders, program participants and their families The North Melbourne Recreation Centre was transformed on the night, with professional staging, dining, and seating bought into the venue. On the night, more than 160 people attended, with most of these attendees being mothers, who cannot always take part in such events. During the evening, several activities took place to ensure all the attendees felt comfortable and at home. The North Melbourne Arts Bus facilitated arts and crafts on the night for the children and were able to refer participants to their monthly program at the North Melbourne Community Centre. Somali food was served to attendees and mats were laid out during the maghrib prayer. Importantly, Sheikh Adam from the Australian Muslim Special Services Agency addressed the audience, explaining to all non-Muslims in attendance the significance of Ramadan and was then able to lead the maghrib prayer. Islamic Nasheeds (a song without musical instruments with lyrics that resemble hymns that praise God) were played throughout the evening, and our MC on the night was previous Huddle employee Nasteha Mohamud. During the event, one mother mentioned that she felt “transported back to Somalia” while another mother thanked a staff member in part “for helping to raise her children”. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to experience the hospitality and warmth of Ramadan, and many commented on the delicious food and festive atmosphere. As the days passed, we witnessed a ripple of positive outcomes beyond the immediate iftar dinner. The event served as a means for promoting cultural diversity and inclusion, which is particularly important in the current climate of heightened social tensions. It provided the opportunity for The Huddle, local businesses, and organisations to build relationships and pave future collaborations and partnerships. The Huddle’s iftar played an important role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community and belonging, while also promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity. Previous Next

From sport to study sessions, 8-year-old Nyra is making the most of every opportunity at The Huddle — and loving every minute of it. < Back Meet Nyra: Kicking Goals On and Off the Field Patrick McPhee 29 July 2025 From sport to study sessions, 8-year-old Nyra is making the most of every opportunity at The Huddle — and loving every minute of it. Nyra is a grade 3 student who first attended an activity at The Huddle in July 2024. Since then, she has participated in a range of different programs offered by The Huddle. We sat with Nyra to hear about her experience. In July 2024 Nyra joined Huddle Up! Junior at Docklands with a group of her friends. This is a sport and recreation program for 5-12 year-olds that offers young people the opportunity to get involved and get active through social games and sport. Nyra shared that she “likes that it includes running (and) we get fit!” Also, that she gets to try new sports she may not have otherwise. Since participating Nyra has tried sports including Basketball, Soccer, AFL and more! While participating at Huddle Up! Nyra learnt about Study Squad. Study Squad launched in Docklands in Term 4 2024 and Nyra as well as some of her friends was one of the first participants. Study Squad provides a safe place for young people to access learning support outside of school hours, Nyra attended almost every week coming in to complete her weekly math homework. Nyra enjoyed that Study Squad “gave us snacks, has fun study breaks, lots of time to study and a fun game at the end”. Nyra also explained that she enjoyed studying there as she “felt supported with my friends around me”. Through her time in the previous program Nyra learnt about the exciting Welcome to AFL program. Welcome to AFL is an introductory AFL program for newly arrived, multicultural and international student communities to learn the basics of AFL. Nyra attended Welcome to AFL at Marvel Stadium attending Round 2 of the 2025 AFL season where the North Melbourne Kangaroos beat Melbourne by 59 points. Nyra shared “This was my first game of footy that I watched, I liked having friends there and waving the flag when players kicked goals. I found the players face cards (in the cheer squad) funny.” Nyra also had the opportunity to go on Marvel Stadium where she learnt to kick and handball and she “did better than I expected!”. Just recently Nyra turned 8 years old making her eligible for her first Huddle Holidays during the July school holidays. Huddle Holidays is a school holiday program that promotes happy and healthy lifestyles to local children, of all cultural backgrounds. Nyra attended the Welcome to Tennis Activity hosted by the Australian Tennis Foundation, here she learnt some basics of Tennis, in a cardio session and met even more young people her age! Above everything, getting to do all these activities with friends has been Nyra’s favourite part about her time at The Huddle. Nyra’s journey, though just 1 year in time, has already demonstrated part of the life cycle of programs at The Huddle available to young people from 5 through to 25 years’ old and their families. We look forward to seeing Nyra back for more at future programs! To learn more about the programs mentioned below please click on the below links. Huddle Up! Junior Study Squad Welcome to AFL Huddle Holidays Previous Next

Winter adventure with the junior and senior Huddle Holidays participants at IceHQ for ice skating! < Back Winter Adventures with Ice-Skating ⛸️ 10 July 2024 Winter adventure with the junior and senior Huddle Holidays participants at IceHQ for ice skating! Winter Adventures with Huddle Holidays ⛸️ At Huddle Holidays, our junior and senior crews recently enjoyed a thrilling ice-skating session at IceHQ, making the most of the winter weather! Whether they were seasoned skaters or first-timers, everyone embraced the icy fun 🥶 As the holiday season winds down, Huddle Holidays offers a range of free programs tailored for juniors and seniors. These fun and exciting activities are designed to keep young minds active and engaged, fostering new skills and experiences. Explore our programs today and discover how Huddle Holidays can enrich your winter break with unforgettable adventures! Huddle Holidays is supported by The Victorian State Government and Community Bank Seddon to create free, fun and exciting experiences for young people during the holiday break. Previous Next

NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. < Back Unleashing the Power of Sport to Improve Numeracy Emily O'Halloran 9 May 2024 NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. In the words of Nelson Mandela, " Sport has the power to change the world…to inspire...to unite people... It speaks to youth in a language they understand." This wisdom transcends beyond the playing field and resonates within our classrooms. Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health underscores the connection between sports-based learning activities and heightened student motivation, improved attendance, and enhanced academic performance. But what about the specific links between sport and mathematics? The evidence is compelling. In a 2017 study, Sanchal and Sharma found that introducing a sports context in learning improved attitudes towards maths. Furthermore, findings from the American Institutes for Research demonstrated that students engaged in sports-related maths programs showed enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and overall maths proficiency. As a former Numeracy Leader, I've seen firsthand the transformative effect of infusing sports into maths lessons. Games like dodgeball for statistics, BinBall for percentages, and table soccer for angles make abstract concepts tangible, fun and playful experiences. Lessons like "Impossible Soccer Angles" and "Kicking Goals," part of the Middle Years Mathematics Challenges series by the Mathematical Association of Victoria, demonstrate how maths and sports can not only break down barriers but also make learning fun and engaging. While integrating sport and play into lessons is undoubtedly beneficial, the reality is that it demands precious energy and time, both of which are scarce commodities for teachers. Fortunately, there are quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resources available. One standout example is NBA Math Hoops, a program designed by Learn Fresh for primary and junior secondary students. In NBA Math Hoops, students simulate basketball games using a board game format that incorporates real-life statistical data from NBA players. Through this engaging approach, students not only reinforce their mathematical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the practical applications of numeracy in everyday life. Students draft NBA players for their team, assess player statistics, strategise game moves, and make decisions based on mathematical principles. The success of NBA Math Hoops and similar programs lies in their ability to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and real-world applications. By incorporating sports into the learning process, students are more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic about maths. The dynamic nature of sport fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – all essential components of mathematical proficiency. Harriet Dunn, a primary school teacher from Merri-Bek Primary School, put it very simply after bringing NBA Math Hoops into her classroom: “For once the students looked forward to maths lessons”. The power of sports to engage students in maths is not just theoretical; it's real and transformative. As school leaders, consider championing programs like NBA Math Hoops to create an environment where learning becomes synonymous with excitement. Get free access to NBA Math Hoops in your school and explore how The Huddle is improving education and employment outcomes through the power of sport by following this link: https://www.thehuddle.org.au/nbamathhoops Previous Next

< Back Welcome To AFL - Session 3 Round 22 v Essendon Previous Next

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

Game Changers: Linking Participants with Professionals < Back Diving into the deep end of the networking pool Maddy Ware and John King 21 Mar 2023 Game Changers: Linking Participants with Professionals Networking continues to be a core part of the employment experience. Young people from Multicultural backgrounds who have been successful in gaining sustainable employment note the importance of strong professional and peer networks ( Meet Me in the Middle Report , Victorian Multicultural Commission p. 21, 2020). However, gaining access to strong professional networks can be difficult for young people from diverse backgrounds. The objective of The Huddle’s Game Changers program is to bridge the gap between young people and employers. Through partnerships and collaboration with other like-minded organisations, young people who engage with The Huddle can network with operations and groups that want to see them develop and thrive in their career journey. Arsema is a 17-year-old female from Tarneit. Arsema and was referred by partnering organisation, Ubuntu Project, to Game Changers, and has since taken part in The Huddle’s Study Squad and True North programs. Arsema attended Game Changers workshops during the September school holidays in 2022. The workshops were comprised of employability skill development, community project ideation and professional networking opportunities. In a recent interview with The Huddle, Arsema advised that a highlight of Game Changers was learning about different industries and the skills required to be a successful candidate and employee. On the first day of workshops, a representative from the YMCA was present and discussed the professional and community benefits of becoming a swim teacher. The discussion between the YMCA representative and the participants was informal but effective. The comfortable nature in which Game Changers presented industry professionals gave Arsema the confidence to approach the YMCA representative and inquire further about becominga swim teacher. Not long after the connection was made, Arsema took the steps needed to become a qualified swim teacher and has begun working for the YMCA at Carlton Baths. By prioritising networking as a core component of the program, Game Changers provides young people from multicultural backgrounds the opportunity to safely network with industry professionals in a way that is not intimidating or overbearing. In the employment landscape, the old saying of, ‘it is not what you know but who you know’ still rings true. By providing avenues for young people to link into and build their own professional networks, Game Changers is supporting participants to become more confident and, importantly, independent, when moving through and, eventually out of the program. Arsema has now been working as a swim teacher for several months and advised that her new role has “…allowed me to become more financially independent…” Through a combination of formal presentations and informal networking components, Game Changers will provide participants with a chance to connect with industry leaders and professionals. This affords young people with opportunities to not only grow their knowledge and networks, but also build their own confidence, as they meet new people who can provide advice and support along their career journey. Arsema plans to continue helping people in the future and advised that “…After high school, I’m hoping to continue swim teaching at Carlton Baths throughout university, and slowly make my way into either social work or healthcare.” Are you interested in taking part in Game Changers this school holidays? Please click here to sign up. Previous Next