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< Back Game Changers to Community Leader How Anita Transformed Her Passion for Sport and Community into Empowering Local Youth Emily Maiorana Previous Next

Abdullah's Journey with Huddle Up! Junior < Back Nurturing Growth and Connection Mariam Taleb 19 Jan 2024 Abdullah's Journey with Huddle Up! Junior Huddle Up! Junior, a program situated at The Hub in Docklands, is on a mission to enrich the lives of primary school-aged children. The program not only seeks to increase physical activity levels but also endeavors to build social connections, instill new skills, and create a profound sense of belonging for its participants. Huddle Up! Junior addresses the challenge of the limited availability of activities for children to stay active and socialise in a secure environment after school, especially for families like Abdullah's, who are new to Australia and unfamiliar with the area. Abdullah is a 8-year-old boy who, along with his parents, arrived in Australia from Saudi Arabia in 2020. The family's primary purpose was to pursue education and obtain degrees. Having accomplished their academic goals in 2023, Abdullah's parents recently returned to Saudi Arabia in January of 2024. Abdullah and his mother, Amal, attended Huddle Up! at Docklands every Tuesday. Amal first learned about the program at Docklands Primary School and is delighted that Abdullah could participate in a variety of sports and engaging activities each week. She expressed that she found joy in seeing Abdullah play with other children, make new friends, and extend those connections to school. Abdullah's father has expressed gratitude for the additional activities that the Huddle has involved the family in. A standout moment was their participation in the AFLW Grand Final, where Abdullah had the opportunity to run out through the banner as the junior mascot for The Huddle. For Abdullah, this experience was not only his favourite but also the most memorable with The Huddle, evident in the uncontainable smile on his face on the day. He shared that the diversity of sports he engages in keeps him returning to the Tuesday program. Some sports are entirely new to him, and the coaches, especially his favourite, Maz, make it easy for him to connect with both them and fellow participants. Abdullah's time with Huddle Up! Junior has cultivated a sense of fun, the building of connections with peers, a heightened sense of belonging within the community, and the confidence to embrace new experiences. As Abdullah returns to Saudi Arabia, he carries with him not just memories, but a stockpile of new skills and games acquired during his time in Australia. Previous Next

The future of North Melbourne descended on Arden St for the 2022 Future Roos clinic. < Back Sights and sounds of the Future Roos clinic Previous Next

Bringing footy and STEM together for an action-packed learning experience < Back GOAL! Kangaroos Kicks Off at Werribee Primary School Jasper Menor 21 Feb 2025 Bringing footy and STEM together for an action-packed learning experience The Huddle’s latest GOAL! Kangaroos lessons officially launched on Monday, February 10, during Community Camp at Werribee Primary School. These FREE , footy-themed STEM lessons , aligned with the Victorian Curriculum , bring learning to life in a way that’s both engaging and educational. What is GOAL! Kangaroos? Designed for year levels 3-5 , GOAL! Kangaroos blends football, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to make learning dynamic and interactive. These lessons are: Free for educators Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum Hands-on and engaging , perfect for active learners and footy fans. Students put their goal-kicking accuracy to the test, simulating shots from nine different angles to analyse the best position for scoring a sausage roll (a goal). The activity combines practical STEM principles with the excitement of footy, creating an unforgettable learning experience. Adding to the fun, North Melbourne Kangaroos players joined in, sharing tips and encouraging students as they kicked goals both in the classroom and on the field. Why Schools Love GOAL! Kangaroos Teachers and students alike have embraced these lessons because they: Make STEM exciting through real-life applications Encourage teamwork and problem-solving Get students active while learning key skills Bring GOAL! Kangaroos to Your School Want to bring these footy-inspired STEM program to your school? Click HERE and get access to 6 brand new footy themed lessons to get your students in the game today! Plus they're completely FREE! Previous Next

The Huddle has partnered with the NBL to deliver GOAL!, a basketball themed program to primary school students < Back The Huddle partner with NBL to deliver GOAL! Riley Goodwin 23 Jan 2022 The Huddle has partnered with the NBL to deliver GOAL!, a basketball themed program to primary school students The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) is proud to announce a partnership with The Huddle, an award-winning not-for-profit organisation that leverages the power of sport to help young people learn, grow and belong. For the past 11 years, The Huddle has worked with more than 100,000 young people from more than 160 different cultures across Australia using sport to strengthen education and employment pathways. The NBL and The Huddle will partner to deliver innovative curriculum modules to primary school students through its “GOAL!” program. GOAL! is a free online resource that integrates basketball themes into the classroom to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “Bringing basketball into the classroom to engage and inspire students to learn and grow is a game-changer for students, teachers, families and the community,” The Huddle CEO Cameron McLeod said. “Research shows that approximately 40 per cent of students are consistently disengaged in class, leading to a range of disruptive behaviours and falling behind their peers academically and socially. “The NBL is one of the most recognisable sporting brands in Australia with a long and proud history of supporting strong community outcomes, and The Huddle is proud to partner with the NBL to inspire life-long learning.” Designed by teachers, for teachers, GOAL! has been piloted in parts of Australia with more than 16,500 students already benefiting from the program. “The NBL is proud to be working with The Huddle to convey the passion young people have for basketball, into the classroom,” Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said. “Basketball is one of Australia’s most participated team sports, and as one of the world’s best leagues, the NBL is delighted to be in a position to support better engagement and stronger educational outcomes in STEM, using the internationally recognised themes and principles of the game of basketball and profile of the NBL.” For enquiries, please contact education@thehuddle.org.au . Previous Next

A Journey of Healing and Empowerment. < Back Purification of the Heart: A Soulful Retreat of Reflection, Connection, and Nature Asli Abdullahi 23 Jan 2025 A Journey of Healing and Empowerment. "A Journey of Healing and Empowerment Through Reflection, Sisterhood, and the Healing Power of Nature" The Herstory Camp, "Purification of the Heart," provided a transformative experience for all participants. Through moments of deep self-reflection, guided activities, and meaningful connections with like-minded women, this soulful retreat at Anglesea discovery camp offered a sacred space for healing and empowerment. Surrounded by the beauty of nature the young women were able to reconnect with their inner selves, release emotional burdens, and rediscover their strength. The camp’s holistic approach nurtured both the spirit and the body, fostering a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and personal growth. Before the HERstory Camp, young women from African backgrounds faced the challenge of juggling school, home responsibilities, and cultural expectations, often leading to stress and isolation. Many lacked a space to connect with peers who understood their experiences and struggled to find resources that supported their identity and personal growth in a culturally relevant way. HERstory Camp aimed to provide these young women with a safe and supportive environment where they could unwind, share their stories, and build confidence. The camp focused on leadership, teamwork, personal empowerment, helping participants feel a sense of belonging while developing the skills they needed to tackle life’s challenges. The goal was to inspire growth, strengthen community bonds, and help each young woman recognise her own potential. The camp created a space where the young women could step away from their everyday pressures and focus on personal growth. Additionally, a safe and culturally affirming environment where participants could connect with one another, share their experiences and engage in activities that promoted self-discovery and leadership. Through team-building exercises and storytelling, the young women were able to gain new perspectives, build lasting friendships and feel empowered to navigate their academic and personal lives with more confidence. The program’s structured activities focused on strengthening life skills such as communication, resilience and problem-solving, which are essential for overcoming the unique challenges faced by these young women. By addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of their development, HERstory Camp equipped participants with tools to better manage their responsibilities at home and school, while encouraging them to embrace their cultural and religious identity. The support and community created by the camp gave these young women the sense of belonging and empowerment they needed to thrive, helping them to build a brighter, more confident future. Sumaya from AMSSA sisters connect our partner organisation for this camp shared that she was grateful that The Huddle gave her the opportunity to co-facilitate a camp and build her organisations capacity. She mentioned that she learned a lot of new skills from this experience that will better help her plan her own programs in the future as a new and emerging local organisation. ‘’The Anglesea Discovery Camp was a beautiful reminder of god’s creation and the blessings we often overlook. Meeting new friends, engaging in fun activities, and reflecting on our faith made it an unforgettable experience. I am grateful for such wholesome moments❤️ ‘’ - Katra “I had an incredible experience at the camp and truly enjoyed my stay. It was a perfect balance of fun, personal growth, and meaningful connections.” - Faduma We are planning for our next Herstory camp which will include partnering up with a local run club called Her Run. Previous Next

How mentorship and experience helped Moukhtar grow into a community leader. < Back From Game Changer to Community Leader John King 31 Jan 2025 How mentorship and experience helped Moukhtar grow into a community leader. Moukhtar Dahir participated in our first Game Changers cohort in Spring 2023, working as a casual to support the development of an Alumni program at The Huddle as part of his Employment Experience. In March 2024, Moukhtar successfully applied for a Multicultural Development Officer role through the Bachar Houli Foundation, housed with the Sports & Recreation Team at The Huddle and would support delivery of our Huddle Up, Welcome to AFL, Huddle Holidays and AFL Victoria programs in a part-time capacity, while he completed his studies. “Moukhtar has been an incredible asset to our team, he brings a passion, dedication, and most importantly a genuine connection to the community. His ability to engage with young people and create meaningful connections with them has had a lasting impact, empowering them and fostering a sense of belonging,” said Xavier Smith, Head of Sport & Recreation of Moukhtar’s contribution to the team. “Not only did working part-time with The Huddle provide me with the flexibility to manage my studies but I was also mentored throughout the role helping me develop experience in the workforce, build up my confidence, improve communication skills and learn how to deal with uncomfortable situations head on.” Moukhtar said. In October 2024, a role within The Huddle’s Community Development team became available and Moukhtar was encouraged to apply. He was appointed to the full-time position of Coordinator Community Engagement, which focuses on developing and implementing initiatives that foster interaction, participation, and a sense of belonging among our community members, stakeholders, and the broader organisation, primarily with the Somali community in the Cities of Melbourne and Wyndham. “Because of the skills, knowledge, and confidence I had developed in the part-time role, it allowed me to grow and be in a position where I was encouraged to apply for and appointed for the Coordinator Community Engagement role, which was only possible because of the valuable work the Game Changers program does for young people,” Moukhtar said. Moukhtar’s journey from Game Changers participant to Community Engagement Coordinator shows the power of mentorship, experience, and opportunity. His story highlights how programs like Game Changers empower young people, build confidence, and create meaningful career pathways. 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 all our participants, families, activity providers, volunteers, and partners — we couldn’t have done it without you! We can’t wait to do it all again. We'll see you for the next Huddle Holidays during the Easter break! Previous Next

Strengthening bonds at the fourth annual Community Iftar. < Back 2026 Huddle Community Iftar: Community & Connection Asli Abdullahi 10 Mar 2026 Strengthening bonds at the fourth annual Community Iftar. The Huddle held its fourth Community Iftar this year, bringing together more than 200 community members in North Melbourne to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The event created a welcoming space for families, community leaders, partners, and young people to gather, reflect, and share the spiritually significant moment of Iftar together. Led by MC Warsan Mohamed, the evening included speeches from The Huddle’s CEO Cameren McLeod, Sheena Watt MP, and Yaqub Hashi, a former Huddle participant and emerging community leader. Each speaker reflected on the importance of community, belonging, and coming together during the holy month of Ramadan. For many attendees, the gathering held deep religious and cultural meaning. Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and strengthening connections, and the Iftar provided an opportunity for the community to come together in unity. After a period of relocation, many participants shared that returning to celebrate together helped them feel at home again. One attendee reflected on the importance of the evening, saying, “Ramadan is a good time to be around the people you love and the community you have grown up with.” The strong turnout highlighted the importance of community-led spaces that foster connection and belonging during Ramadan. Previous Next

< Back Ending the Summer with a Sports Clinic Getting out and active before summers gone! Jasper Menor Previous Next

Huddle Participants and NMFC Players collaborate on an art project to raise funds for the Maldon in Winter Festival < Back Red Box Wildlife Shelter Art Project Previous Next

< Back Welcome 2 AFL, Tasmania W2AFL Lands in Launceston and Hobart across 2 exciting weekends. Ella Marsh Previous Next