< Back GOAL! Kangaroos Kicks Off at Werribee Primary School Bringing footy and STEM together for an action-packed learning experience Jasper Menor Previous Next

< Back Creative Fun at Huddle Holidays A day of creative fun! Kicking off Huddle Holidays with Arts & Crafts. Jasper Menor Previous Next

< Back AFLW Community Camp Inspires the Next Generation Connecting the future footballers with elite athletes in Tasmania. Ella Marsh Previous Next

< Back GOAL! brings Maths to Life at MAV Regional Tour Educators explored hands-on GOAL! lessons, discovering engaging, flexible approaches to teaching mathematics. Tam Shama Previous Next

The Huddle shows support for Shooters Shoot's end of year basketball event < Back Hoopin' For A Cause Previous Next

< Back Kids Footy Month More than 300 fans and community members took part in a pre-game parade as the Kangaroos marked the start of the school holidays. Astrid Blackburn Previous Next

< Back Mastering Confidence: Unleashing Your Inner Game Changer Cultivating Skills and Building Lasting Confidence John King Previous Next

The Huddle's 2023 Iftar Dinner involved members from the local North Melbourne public housing estate, community leaders, program participants and their families < Back The Huddle holds community Iftar Previous Next

We met up with past Huddle Participant, Arsema, to hear about her journey of gaining employment. < Back Arsema's Journey to Employment Previous Next

The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy < Back Kicks, Marks, and Cultural Connections David Middlemast 9 Apr 2025 The North Melbourne Kangaroos Welcome New Fans to Aussie Rules Footy https://video.wixstatic.com/video/90d451_c74ff598046f445c83274fcfd8e65fd2/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 On Sunday, March 23rd, North Melbourne FC and The Huddle proudly hosted an unforgettable event as part of the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series . Hundreds of people from multicultural and newly arrived communities experienced their very first taste of Aussie Rules Footy, immersing themselves in the energy, excitement, and unity that define the game. At the heart of the day was the Welcome to AFL program, designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game. From learning the basics of kicking, marking, and handballing to stepping onto hallowed ground of Marvel Stadium, attendees got a true hands-on experience. The program also included a stadium tour to help participants familiarise themselves with key facilities such as toilets, prayer rooms, and sensory rooms—ensuring they felt comfortable and included throughout their visit. Adding to the excitement, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and North Melbourne Kangaroos players George Wardlaw and Josh Goater joined the activities. Their presence and interaction with the participants made a lasting impact, offering invaluable insights and encouragement straight from the pros. The event welcomed over 200 enthusiastic participants from the City of Wyndham , one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing regions. With a projected population of over 500,000 by 2040—exceeding the population of Tasmania—Wyndham is quickly becoming a major hub of diverse cultures and potential footy fans. For many attendees, this was their first encounter with Aussie Rules Footy, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. One young participant shared, “I want to play footy. When I go to school, I’m going to play footy.” Others marvelled at the stadium itself, with one surprising observation: “When I touched the grass, it was so soft.” By the time the game started, multiple stadium bays were filled with new Kangas supporters, waving flags and cheering at full volume. The excitement was infectious, with some participants so engrossed in the game that they even lost their voices from cheering so passionately. This event was a powerful demonstration of how sport can transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing communities together through a shared passion. At North Melbourne FC and The Huddle, we continue to pave the way in fostering inclusivity, ensuring that Aussie Rules Footy remains a welcoming sport for all. As the final siren sounded, it was clear that the event had done more than introduce a game—it had ignited a new wave of enthusiasm and belonging within the community. For many, this was just the beginning of their journey into the world of footy. Previous Next

Bella is Shaping Her Future Through Skills, Community, and Opportunity < Back A Game Changer in Wyndham Emily Maiorana 26 Feb 2025 Bella is Shaping Her Future Through Skills, Community, and Opportunity Belamedha (Bella) is a passionate and driven young resident of Wyndham, committed to broadening her skill set and experiences to shape her future. With a deep belief in the power of youth to inspire and drive change, she has actively engaged in various initiatives that empower young people. So, when the opportunity to join Game Changers was presented, by the Youth Team Leader at Wyndham Youth Services, Bella eagerly embraced it. Game Changers is designed to help young people develop and showcase their transferable skills through workshops, coaching, and real-world employment experiences. The program equips participants with the confidence and knowledge to take control of their early careers while gaining valuable insights into the professional world. From November to December 2024, Bella, alongside six other young people from Wyndham, took part in the program. Through interactive workshops, they refined their communication skills, strengthened their confidence in job interviews, and deepened their understanding of effective networking. Participants also worked in groups to address the central question, "How can Chirnside Park better support the wellbeing, social connections, and health needs of young people in Wyndham?" . Which aligns with the broader priorities of The Huddle, North Melbourne Football Club, and Wyndham Council. Reflecting on the experience, Bella shared, "It allowed us to identify community needs and create meaningful solutions. I found the experience incredibly valuable". The highlight of Game Changers is our Pitch Night, where participants expand their professional networks while showcasing their ideas to a panel of industry experts. The event, held at Wyndham Council, brought together council representatives, sports and recreation specialists, and youth engagement experts. Bella and her team introduced their initiative, Diversely Chirnside , which leverages the power of cultural dance to foster community connection. "Pitch Night was exciting, everyone made me feel comfortable, and I was honoured to meet such experienced professionals," Bella reflected. In recognition of their dedication, all participants were offered Program Support Officer roles with The Huddle as part of our Employment Experience program. In this role, Bella and her peers will help deliver an event during the April school holidays, allowing for further activation of the space and engaging the wider community. Bella's journey in Game Changers is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating positive change, not just in career development, but in personal impact. Since completing the program, she has continued her involvement with The Huddle, including participating in Huddle Holidays, where she created lasting memories, such as attending the Australian Open. Bella's story is one of growth, leadership, and the drive to make a difference, both for herself and her community. Previous Next

10-year-old Oscar and his teammate The Rip City Roos bring home the trophy from New York. < Back Oscar Becomes First Aussie to Win NBA Math Hoops Global Championship 15 Aug 2025 10-year-old Oscar and his teammate The Rip City Roos bring home the trophy from New York. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/90d451_9b4ef06094b4457788b1aa3f689e5476/480p/mp4/file.mp4 Credit: Tatenda Chibika, Reporter, ABC Earlier this year, 10-year-old Oscar swapped his classroom for the bright lights of New York City — and returned home as the first Australian to win the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship . Representing The Huddle and teaming up with fellow competitor Kingston, the duo — competing under the name The Rip City Roos — went head-to-head with 24 other of the world’s best teams. Over three days of competition, they showcased sharp maths skills, basketball strategy, and plenty of teamwork to claim the championship trophy. “I was actually speechless,” Oscar said. “For a kid who always talks about basketball and maths, I didn’t have anything to say!” NBA Math Hoops is a hands-on, curriculum-aligned program that combines the excitement of basketball with the problem-solving of mathematics. Players draft NBA and WNBA stars to build their teams, then solve timed maths problems to “take shots” and score points. It’s an engaging way to strengthen numeracy, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills — and, as Oscar proved, it can take you all the way to an international stage. Oscar first discovered Math Hoops in his school maths lessons. “It was so fun combining my passions — basketball and maths,” he said. His class, teachers, and peers played a big role in his success, with many helping him prepare before his trip. Alongside Kingston, The Rip City Roos kept their cool under pressure, outsmarting and outscoring opponents from around the globe. For both players, the championship was more than just a game — it was a chance to learn, connect, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “If you don’t make it, that doesn’t matter — at least you learned,” said one of the student competitors. “And you tried.” The Huddle is proud to deliver the NBA Math Hoops program in Australia, giving young people like Oscar the chance to develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way. His achievement is a testament to what’s possible when sport meets STEM, and when young people are supported to aim high. Congratulations, Oscar and Kingston, on bringing the Global Championship trophy home to Australia — and for inspiring the next generation of Math Hoopers. Learn more about NBA Math Hoops and how The Huddle brings sport and STEM together in classrooms across Victoria by clicking HERE. Previous Next