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< Back Game Changers Pitch Event Intake One, 2024 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 hands-on STEM experience exploring teamwork, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. < Back Brunswick South West Primary Takes on Game Day at The Huddle Tam Shama 19 Nov 2025 A hands-on STEM experience exploring teamwork, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. Students from Brunswick South West Primary School had an exciting day at Game Day hosted by The Huddle, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and teamwork from beginning to end! The event took place in The Huddle’s cutting-edge simulation stadium, where students were challenged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and put their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills to the ultimate test. One of the standout moments of the day was the engineering challenge, where teams had to build a pendulum to kick a ball through the goals. It wasn’t just about putting things together; it was all about experimenting, solving problems, and learning while having fun. The excitement grew as teams tested their designs, fine-tuned their ideas, and celebrated each little victory together. Throughout the day, students delved into deeper concepts like emotional intelligence, grit, and the growth mindset. They also took time to reflect on their own strengths and characteristics, discovering what it truly means to “win” both on the field and in life. Here’s what some of the Brunswick South West students had to say about their Game Day experience: "I liked how we did a lot of teamwork and got to use our brains a lot. " "I liked doing the different activities and working with my friends. " "We tried new things and did some cool programs with the robots and the iPads. " "We got to work as a team and make and fix things. " "Doing activities for my classmates and building a stronger class bond." Game Day isn’t just a day filled with fun, it’s a unique educational experience that aligns with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Students engage in learning that connects to Mathematics, Science, Design and Technologies, all while building critical thinking and personal and social skills along the way. The best part? Game Day is completely FREE for schools and is specifically designed for Grade 5 and 6 students. Game Day offers a powerful learning experience where students develop teamwork, creativity, and resilience in a real world environment. The day and lessons were structured really well by the staff and team. They know how to engage and meet the needs of all students. - Georgia (classroom teacher) Want your students to experience the magic of Game Day in 2026? Click to book your Game day experience HERE . Previous Next

< Back Welcome To AFL - Session 2 Round 18 v Hawthorn 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 Empowering Young Women to Learn, Grow and Belong with the River Nile School The River Nile School has partnered with The Huddle to empower students' leadership and sense of belonging. Josh Raymer Previous Next

< Back The Huddle partner with NBL to deliver GOAL! The Huddle has partnered with the NBL to deliver GOAL!, a basketball themed program to primary school students Riley Goodwin Previous Next

< Back Volunteer Get to Know: Eli As The Huddle’s impact in the Wyndham area continues to grow, our volunteers and their connections to the community are vital in helping young people learn, grow and belong Riley Goodwin 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 Cultural Diversity Week – Israel Segall Meet Huddle volunteer, Chilean journalist and footy convert Israel Segall Riley Goodwin Previous Next

YMCA Camp Manyung, Mount Eliza < Back HERStory Camp Previous Next

A day of creative fun! Kicking off Huddle Holidays with Arts & Crafts. < Back Creative Fun at Huddle Holidays Jasper Menor 14 Jan 2025 A day of creative fun! Kicking off Huddle Holidays with Arts & Crafts. Huddle Holidays brought creativity to life at The Huddle on Arden St.! The day kicked off with games and activities, sparking laughter, curiosity and new friendships. Our Junior participants explored origami, bead-making, and drawing, turning imagination into colourful masterpieces. Beyond crafting, they bonded, shared ideas, and celebrated their creativity together. A huge shoutout to our amazing facilitators, who made every moment engaging and fun. Their energy, encouragement, and smiles kept the excitement alive—just look at the joy on our participants' faces! As the day wrapped up, everyone left with not just their artistic creations, but also new friendships and fun memories. Stay tuned to our stories to see what else our Huddle Holidays participants got up to these Summer holidays! Previous Next