The Huddle Holiday Juniors hone their skills in Aussie Rules and Soccer! < Back Warming up this winter with AFL and Soccer clinics 4 July 2024 The Huddle Holiday Juniors hone their skills in Aussie Rules and Soccer! The Huddle Holiday Sports Clinic at Avalon Airport Oval, home of the Werribee Football Club, offered young sports enthusiasts a day of soccer and AFL training to enhance skills and promote teamwork. The engaging sessions included drills and skill games to challenge and develop abilities. The Cart Co team's warm hospitality with hot chocolate and coffee added to the festive atmosphere, keeping participants cozy. The blend of sportsmanship, skill-building, and comfort provided a holistic experience, leaving a lasting impression on young athletes for a memorable day of learning and fun. Previous Next

< Back Female Sports Tournament Hosted by Carlton Baths, in partnership with Jump Ball Previous Next

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

Aussie Rules to new communities and schools, one kick at a time. < Back Bringing Footy to Wyndham & Shepparton Jasper Menor 5 Mar 2025 Aussie Rules to new communities and schools, one kick at a time. This year, the North Melbourne Football Club and The Huddle set out to bring the excitement of Aussie Rules Football to young people in Wyndham and Shepparton through the annual AFL Community Camp – and what an unforgettable experience it was! Over two action-packed days— Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11 —the North Melbourne Kangaroos made a lasting impact, forging real connections and creating special moments with young people in local schools and communities. 44 AFL Men’s players and two AFL Men’s coaches stepped off the field and into classrooms, schoolyards, and local communities, proving that Aussie Rules is more than just a game—it’s about building a sense of belonging and community. To launch the Community Camp,The Huddle introduced our latest GOAL! Kangaroos lessons at Werribee Primary School , taking the footy experience beyond the field. These engaging sessions gave students the opportunity to learn through footy themed STEM activities fused with a Kangas flair before heading out to experience it firsthand. As Jodie, Assistant Principal for Wellbeing and Inclusion at Werribee Primary School, put it: "The reason we've loved making connections with North Melbourne and The Huddle is because we can see the benefits of engaging all students in their programs. It's great for those kids who are interested in sport, but also those kids who are interested in their STEM activities to come together, work together collaboratively, and develop new learning." This holistic approach to engagement ensures that young people—regardless of their interests—can find value in the programs and build new skills, whether on the field or in the classroom. Wyndham is Victoria’s fastest-growing cities and one of Australia’s most diverse communities, with over 70 languages spoken . However, only a small percentage of the population currently engages with Aussie Rules Football. The AFL Community Camp was designed to introduce the sport to new audiences, showing young people what the game is all about and inspiring them to get involved. From school visits to hands-on footy skills clinics , the Kangaroos set out to connect, inspire, and ignite passion for the sport. With a goal of engaging 4,500 young people , the impact was significant: 1,500 students in Shepparton welcomed the Kangaroos with cheers and excitement. 3,500 students in Wyndham had the chance to meet and learn from AFL players. But the real magic happened when the young people took the field themselves! For those already passionate about Aussie Rules, the Come & Play Auskick and Superkick Skills Clinic was a dream come true. This was their chance to lace up their boots, practice their skills, and experience the thrill of the game alongside professional AFL players. 90 kids in Shepparton brought their energy and enthusiasm to the field. 75 eager participants in Wyndham pushed themselves to new heights. Even when fatigue set in, the determination never wavered. As one player summed it up perfectly: “I’m running on empty, but I’m gonna find another gear.” Beyond the drills and excitement, the most powerful moments were found in the connections made along the way. One parent reached out to AFL Victoria , expressing deep gratitude for the visit. Her son, who had been struggling with mental health challenges, found joy and hope in meeting the players. A simple handshake and a smile meant the world to him. Then there was the young girl who was thrilled at the chance to attend a Kangaroos game—until she realised it clashed with her gymnastics class. With tears in her eyes, she approached Charlie Comben to apologise for missing it. That’s the kind of impact this camp had on young people. With Wyndham’s population rapidly expanding and becoming increasingly diverse, events like the AFL Community Camp are crucial for introducing Aussie Rules to new communities. The Kangaroos didn’t just visit—they showed thousands of young people that Aussie Rules Football can be a space for fun, connection, and personal growth. The days were long, and the schedule was packed, but the players never lost their energy. With every school visit, clinic, and conversation, they planted the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive footy community—one that will hopefully grow for years to come. We can’t wait to do it all again next year! Previous Next

< Back Big Smiles as Schools Return to Cheer on North Melbourne A group of students from Werribee Primary School and St Andrews School had a day out to remember at North Melbourne’s most recent home game Emily Buysen Previous Next

< Back The Huddle launches Australian-first immersive AFL program, Game Day The North Melbourne Kangaroos have officially launched Game Day, The Huddle’s newest education program North Media Previous Next

< Back Inspiring the Next Generation The Next Generation in Schools Program Xavier Smith Previous Next

44 players. 30 schools. One massive day across Melbourne and Wyndham. < Back One massive day across Melbourne and Wyndham Xavier Smith 8 May 2026 44 players. 30 schools. One massive day across Melbourne and Wyndham. Metro Blitz returned on Monday, April 20, delivering a high-energy day of connection and footy across the City of Wyndham and City of Melbourne. All 44 North Melbourne men’s players took part, visiting 30 schools, two community football clubs and delivering a Superclinic in partnership with Manor Lakes Football Club. From classrooms to ovals, the day created countless opportunities for young people to engage directly with elite footballers. Throughout the day, players led lunchtime activations, ran footy clinics and took part in Q&A sessions, giving students a unique insight into life as an AFL footballer while inspiring the next generation of players and North Melbourne supporters. Metro Blitz continues to play a vital role in growing AFL participation and ensuring communities have access to elite talent and experiences. For many young people, it’s not just about meeting their heroes, it’s about seeing what’s possible. To find out where you can Play Footy in your local area, visit https://play.afl/ Previous Next

The Huddle secures funding for Cultural Heritage Series < Back Study Melbourne & The Huddle to Introduce AFL to International Students Maddy Tatikonda 1 Apr 2026 The Huddle secures funding for Cultural Heritage Series On Wednesday, The Huddle hosted the AFL and Study Melbourne at Arden Street with Minister Danny Pearson in attendance to highlight to important work being done by Study Melbourne and the funding recipients in creating a sense of belonging for international students. The Huddle has been successful in obtaining funding for the upcoming Cultural Heritage Series game which will see hundreds of newly arrived fans attend their first ever Australian Rules Football game. During Round 6 against the Richmond Tigers, hundreds of international students will attend Marvel Stadium for their first taste of AFL. Through The Huddle’s program – Welcome to AFL – participants will learn the basics of Australia’s game and even get the chance to kick a football on Marvel Stadium. Jen Watt, CEO of the North Melbourne Football Club, noted on Wednesday feeling “proud to partner with the AFL and Study Melbourne to introduce students to Australia’s game, [where students will] create new friendships and open doors to experiences both on and off the field” Thanks to Study Melbourne and the AFL for supporting The Huddle’s mission to ensure everyone feels like they belong where they live, learn, work and play. Previous Next

Metro Blitz Part 2, delivered another exciting day of football engagement across Melbourne's west. < Back North Melbourne Returns for Metro Blitz Part 2 Xavier Smith 5 Aug 2026 Metro Blitz Part 2, delivered another exciting day of football engagement across Melbourne's west. On July 20, North Melbourne Football Club returned to the community for Metro Blitz Part 2, delivering another exciting day of football engagement across Melbourne's west. A total of 33 North Melbourne men's players visited 14 schools and five community football clubs throughout the City of Wyndham and Melbourne, connecting with thousands of young people and local football participants. Throughout the day, players ran football clinics, took part in Q&A sessions and delivered club training, providing students and young footballers with a unique insight into life as an AFL footballer. These visits gave young people the opportunity to learn directly from elite athletes, ask questions, develop their skills and be inspired by the journeys of current AFL players. Metro Blitz continues to play a vital role in growing participation in Australian Rules Football and ensuring communities have access to elite talent and memorable football experiences. For many young people, particularly those experiencing Australian Rules Football for the first time, Metro Blitz provides an opportunity to connect with the game, learn new skills and see the pathways available through community sport. North Melbourne is proud to support initiatives that strengthen community connections, inspire the next generation of supporters and help grow the game at the grassroots level. To find out where you can play football in your local area, visit the AFL's Play Footy website: https://play.afl/ Previous Next

The Huddle's employees share their stories with Truganina students < Back True North ‘Grit’ with Al-Taqwa College Joshua Raymer 16 May 2023 The Huddle's employees share their stories with Truganina students The True North framework focuses on connections, values, identity, grit, mindset, mental health, emotional intelligence, understanding others, teamwork, leadership, and self-awareness. All workshops support young people to develop resilience, build upon their protective factors by identifying and developing their strengths, and increase their understanding of social cohesion through exploring perspectives and stories of others. For a second year running, The Huddle delivered two True North sessions at Al-Taqwa College’s Year 12 Camps. These camps are aimed to provide 100 students with motivation, inspiration, and strategies to succeed in their final year of secondary schooling. To suit the theme of the camps, The Huddle delivered our ‘Grit’ workshops at both the Boys and Girls camps. The ‘Grit’ workshop explores the importance of students showing resilience and determination - highlighting that to achieve success, an individual must display grit when faced with challenging situations. Importantly, The Huddle had former Al-Taqwa students and community leaders co-facilitate each ‘Grit’ workshop. Saeed Ali (Coordinator, Social Cohesion for Children and Young People, pictured above), Khadija Abdullah (Program Support Officer) and Asli Abdullahi (Coordinator, Social Cohesion for Parents, Women and Families) presented relatable stories demonstrating how they showed grit and determination during their secondary schooling and university studies. The shared experiences of facilitators and students enhanced a sense of connection and understanding between all parties throughout the sessions. The stories told by facilitators resonated strongly with students, and Huddle staff were able to promote how other programs such as Study Squad can help students during their final year of secondary schooling. The Huddle is now working with Al-Taqwa College on integrating more social cohesion through education, or SCTE, initiatives throughout 2023 and beyond. The Huddle recently assisted Al-Taqwa students with running activities at their annual Eid fundraiser, and Al-Taqwa College staff are also utilising The Huddle’s True North Portal and relevant resources to deliver lessons to students. “We really appreciate your team coming out to the camp and running the program. It was definitely beneficial. I’ve also used True North resources during my lessons which were great!” – Urooj Shah, Year 12 Coordinator, Al-Taqwa College Interested in learning more, or accessing free resources? True North and other Huddle educator resources can be found here. Previous Next

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. Empower students to discover who they are, by developing an understanding of how their values and attributes shape their identity. 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. True North comprises of two core packages, 'My True North' and 'Our True North', plus and 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.