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< Back 'Laz' rises to claim Peter Scanlon Community Award The efforts of midfielder Charlie Lazzaro have been recognised with the Peter Scanlon Community Award for 2022 Samantha Weston Previous Next

The Next Generation in Schools Program < Back Inspiring the Next Generation Xavier Smith 29 June 2023 The Next Generation in Schools Program The Next Generation in Schools (NGS) program, developed by the North Melbourne Football Club, is an initiative aimed at igniting passion and participation for Australian Rules Football and the North Melbourne Kangaroos among young people in Melbourne, Wyndham, and Tasmania. With a focus on increasing football participation, fostering brand awareness for the club, and promoting the values of The Huddle, the NGS program has emerged as a launchpad for inspiring the next generation of football enthusiasts. Eddie Ford returns to his old school, Point Cook College P-9, to help run an NGS session with The Huddle team. The NGS program targets children aged 8 to 12 (Grade 3-6), both males and females. The program aims to address two significant challenges: the limited availability of free introductory football programs that offer a positive first experience in a safe environment, and the need to enhance brand awareness for the North Melbourne Football Club within schools. The Next Generation in Schools program provides primary school-aged children with a unique opportunity to learn and experience Australian Rules Football within the familiar environment of their own schools. Through the program, young participants not only gain fundamental football skills but also have the chance to develop teamwork and leadership qualities through engaging game-based activities. The program aims to create a positive and inclusive environment where children can build confidence and explore their potential. For some, the NGS program is their first and, in some cases, only exposure to the AFL. While delivering the program at Bellbridge Primary in Hoppers Crossing, there was one student who initially seemed disengaged, playing with the footy by himself and not fully participating. The teacher revealed that he had recently arrived in the country and didn't speak English, making it challenging for him to comprehend the activities and understand AFL. Understanding the situation, the program facilitator took the initiative to play one-on-one with the student, witnessing the joy he experienced in simply chasing and kicking the footy. As the session progressed, it became evident that he was reluctant to finish or return the football. Recognizing the impact it had on the young boy, the facilitator approached him and explained that he could keep the footy and take it home. From then on, the student brought the footy to school every day, becoming an important tool for him to feel a sense of belonging amongst his new friends. The NGS program has yielded numerous positive outcomes for its participants, including increased physical and mental activity levels, opportunities to connect and learn from The Huddle staff, volunteers, and peers, and the development of confidence to try new things. Additionally, the program has fostered greater trust in external services and support systems. The Next Generation in Schools program has already made a significant impact, reaching almost 20,000 young participants across over 100 schools in the Wyndham, North Melbourne, and Tasmanian regions. The program has extended its influence beyond school grounds through North Melbourne player appearances, which have engaged 2,200 students from 29 different schools and fostered connections with 11 community football clubs. Notably, these initiatives have resulted in 47 new football registrations within the Wyndham area. Educators involved in the NGS program have expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the initiative. They recognize the positive impact the program has on their students, providing opportunities for growth and enjoyment. We love having North Melbourne come back every year, the kids absolutely love learning and playing footy. For many of our kids, it's the only time they will play footy, and they love it. - Educator from participating school Looking ahead, the NGS program aims to continue running clinics throughout Terms 3 and 4, engaging more young people, schools, and educators in the world of Australian Rules Football, The Huddle, and the North Melbourne Football Club. The program's ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation highlights its dedication to fostering a love for the sport and nurturing future football stars. To learn more about NGS, or to register your school’s interest, please click here . Previous Next

A celebration of youth, energy, and community. < Back Ramadan Soccer Tournament: Uniting Communities Through Sport at North Melbourne Moukhtar Daher 2 Apr 2025 A celebration of youth, energy, and community. The Ramadan Soccer Tournament at the North Melbourne Recreational Centre was held in partnership with AMSSA Youth Connect over three weekends in March, with games played on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm – 1am, allowing those observing Ramadan to fully participate. Eight teams, predominantly from North Melbourne, Flemington, and Kensington participated in this vibrant and energetic competition with strong support from local families and community leaders, showcasing the power of sport to foster community spirit and youth engagement. Ramadan Soccer Tournament Highlights: Stronger Community & Connection; The tournament brought together 8 competitive teams and over 150 spectators each night , creating an electric atmosphere. Beyond the sport, it fostered deep connections across generations, strengthening bonds between youth, parents, and community leaders. Resilience & Mental Strength; Players demonstrated remarkable perseverance, competing while fasting and attending night prayers. They adapted to the physical and mental challenges of Ramadan, developing a resilient mindset and learning to manage stress more effectively. Spiritual & Personal Growth; Participants reported a heightened sense of faith and motivation , with many expressing that their experiences reinforced the belief that "anything is possible with faith." The discipline built during the tournament extended beyond Ramadan, helping players form better habits in nutrition, fitness, and daily routines. Physical & Athletic Development; Competing while fasting pushed players to new limits, enhancing stamina, endurance, and overall fitness. This was particularly evident among those playing at a professional level, such as in the Melbourne Premier League (MPL), who noted performance improvements. Breaking Barriers & Fostering Inclusion; By bringing together young people from diverse communities across Melbourne, the tournament became more than just a game—it was a platform for overcoming social and cultural divides, encouraging teamwork, unity, and mutual respect. Young people in the inner city areas of North Melbourne, Flemington and Kensington face a lack of organised, engaging and affordable activities. Especially during Ramadan many often struggle to find positive outlets for their energy, particularly during the evenings after breaking their fast. The tournament sought to create an inclusive space where young people could come together to stay active, engage with their peers, and experience a sense of community. Additionally, there was a need for an event that bridged the gap between neighbouring North Melbourne communities and youth from other suburbs, including Dandenong and Wyndham - Hoppers Crossing, to connect. The aim was to provide a platform for healthy competition and interaction, all while fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the community. The Ramadan Soccer Tournament provided the perfect solution to these challenges. By organising an exciting and inclusive event during the Ramadan period, young people were given a healthy, engaging activity that kept them active and involved in their community. The tournament not only offered an outlet for physical activity but also created an environment where players from diverse backgrounds could form friendships and break down social barriers. Each night the event brought around 80 participants together with more than 150 regular spectators - comprising local youths, parents, and community leaders, filling the North Melbourne Recreational Centre with energy and excitement. The tournament's success was built on its ability to foster both competition and camaraderie among the youth. This environment encouraged personal growth, teamwork, and leadership among the young athletes, while also strengthening the bonds between the wider community and local leaders. The tournament successfully achieved its goal of engaging youth and building community spirit. The packed recreation centre, with its buzzing atmosphere, was a testament to how sports can energise and unify a community. Moreover, the event's ability to bridge the gap between different neighbourhoods was a significant achievement, helping to foster greater understanding and friendships across diverse groups, and reinforcing the tournament's role in community-building. "It’s amazing to see so many young people come together for the tournament from all different parts of Melbourne, all with one common goal—to play soccer and build community. and then to win that tournament, I’m going home happy." – Tournament Participant/ player of winning team Previous Next

I am going to The Huddle to take part in an excursion called Game Day. Check out what the day looks like. < Back My Visit At The Huddle For Game Day Tam Shama 28 Jan 2026 I am going to The Huddle to take part in an excursion called Game Day. Check out what the day looks like. Arriving When we arrive at The Huddle, I will listen to my teacher. If we travelled by bus, I will get off the bus and wait in a safe spot on the footpath. If we came by public transport I will walk with my group and listen to my teacher. I will stay away from the road. When I arrive, it might be noisy. I will be able to hear traffic from the road. I will listen to the instructions from my teacher. Entry Our coach from The Huddle will meet us when we arrive. We will go inside the glass doors and wait in front of the trophies. I will listen while our coach gives us some instructions. Toilets If I need to go to the toilet, I will ask my teacher first. The toilets are used by people who come to use the basketball courts and gym, so there might be some people I don’t know inside. I will make sure I take someone with me if I need to go to the toilet. Inside The Huddle Our coach will take us to the doors of The Huddle. I will listen to our coach before I go inside. The screens inside The Huddle will be bright and might be noisy. I can take deep breaths and remember that my teacher is there to help. I can ask my coach for some earmuffs to wear that will help quiet the noise. Classroom When we are inside the classroom, we will put our school bags and hats away on the blue shelves and then we will sit down in a green chair at the front of the room. Our coach will explain the activity we are doing. We will be put into small groups to work together. We will complete the first activity. It will be noisy, and we will be moving around the room. If I need help or have a question, I can ask my teacher, who will be there to support me. After the first activity, we will pack up and we might help to set up some tables and chairs. Then we will have our recess break. I will stay in the classroom to eat my recess. My teacher will tell me where to sit. There are bins in the classroom for me to put away any rubbish. I will put my lunchbox back in my bag when the teacher tells us it’s time. Simulation Stadium After recess, we will go into a different room called the Simulation Stadium. It will be dark when we go in. I will sit with my group on a stool and listen to our coach. There are big TV screens on the wall, and they will light up suddenly. Other students may feel excited and talk about what they see. It will be noisy. My coach has earmuffs I can use if it is too noisy. We will listen to the coach explain the activities we are going to complete. I will complete the activities with my group. It might be noisy while we complete the activities. If it is too noisy for me, I will let an adult know. We will stay in the Simulation Stadium for three activities, with breaks in between. I will listen to the coach who will help me if I don’t know what to do. Break times We will have 2 breaks – a recess break and a lunch break. Our recess break will be in the classroom. Our lunch break will be either outside on the futsal court if it is sunny, or inside on the basketball court or in the classroom if it is raining. My teacher will tell me where I can play. Leaving After we have finished, I will listen to my teacher. I will collect my things from the blue shelves and line up. I will walk out of The Huddle with my teacher and my classmates. On the trip home, I will listen to my teacher, so we get back to school safely. The Huddle coaches Amy Hi, I’m Amy. I am one of the Game Day coaches. You might see me when you come to The Huddle. You will do AFL themed activities and learn how to work as a team. I love footy and teaching students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. When I am not coaching, I like going to the beach, hanging out with my friends, and watching K-Pop Demon Hunters. A fun fact about me is that I can name every country in the world! Taylor Hello, I’m Taylor. I work at The Huddle. I might be your Game Day coach. Together, we will do some AFL themed activities and learn about teamwork and your character strengths. I love footy and learning with all the students that come to The Huddle. When I am not coaching, I like to do crafts, spend time in the bush, and hang out with my cat and dog. A fun fact about me is that I collect Select Footy Cards! Previous Next

A cracking day for footy and an immersive introduction to Aussie Rules. < Back Welcome to AFL hops into Arden Street Xavier Smith 31 Oct 2024 A cracking day for footy and an immersive introduction to Aussie Rules. In what was a cracking day for footy, North Melbourne and The Huddle hosted its latest Welcome to AFL event during the AFLW Week 6 match between our mighty Kangaroos and the Western Bulldogs at Arden Street, drawing in 80 participants, many of whom experienced their first AFLW game. This event offered an immersive introduction to Australian football culture, complete with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at North Melbourne’s spiritual home and a kick-to-kick session on the iconic Arden Street Oval. The excitement of the day was further heightened as our North Melbourne AFLW team triumphed with a resounding 55-point victory. Among the attendees, international student Kristy Feng expressed her appreciation, saying, “The Welcome to AFL event is a must-try experience for international students in Melbourne. It was such a great and fun experience for myself and my friends. We shared joy and laughter in the activities, which also deepened our friendships. Sport is one of the best ways to socialize with people from diverse backgrounds and students from other educational institutions within Melbourne. The Welcome to AFL event helps connect international students to Australian culture.” The program provided a welcoming platform for participants to experience the excitement of the game, meet new friends, and immerse themselves in Australian culture, making it a highlight not only for the participants, but of North Melbourne’s AFLW season. We can’t wait to see you at a Welcome to AFL event in 2025. Previous Next

Summer holidays just got cooler! < Back Riding the Waves with Huddle Holidays Jasper Menor 16 Jan 2025 Summer holidays just got cooler! Huddle Holidays took to the coast for an unforgettable day at Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club! Our participants dived straight into it learning the basics of surfing and beach safety thanks to the guidance of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club. With expert guidance, many first-timers impressively caught their very first waves—an incredible sight to see! For some, it was not only their first time surfing but their first time at the beach, making the experience even more special. The weather couldn’t have been better, with the perfect mix of sun, wind, and warmth creating ideal conditions for a day on the water. A huge thank you to the amazing team at Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club for showing us the ropes and making it a day to remember! Previous Next

< Back Building Confident Learners: Werribee Primary School’s Journey with The Huddle Trent Archer shares Werribee Primary School's journey with The Huddle. Jasper Menor Previous Next

Reliving the Huddle Holidays as we head into school term! < Back A Summer Holiday to Remember Previous Next

< Back Uniting Communities Through Sport at North Melbourne A celebration of youth, energy, and community Previous Next

< Back Community supporting community Duad’s experiences with careers support from The Huddle Maddy Ware and John King 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

Game Changers helped Tigist develop skills, connections, and community impact < Back Learning and growing through Game Changers Jasper Menor 7 Mar 2025 Game Changers helped Tigist develop skills, connections, and community impact For Tigist Lakew, joining the Game Changers program at The Huddle was more than just an opportunity—it was a transformative experience. Throughout the program, she gained valuable transferable skills , built strong connections , and learned how to make a meaningful impact in her local community. One of the biggest highlights for Tigist was the opportunity to network with a diverse group of people. The program brought together individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and age groups, fostering collaboration and new perspectives. A key takeaway from the experience was learning how to apply knowledge in real-world settings. From working on project plans to participating in an e xciting pitch event, Tigist developed hands-on skills that will benefit her in both professional and personal settings. The pitch event, in particular, provided an incredible networking opportunity, where she connected with inspiring panelists who shared their experiences and insights. For Tigist, Game Changers was more than just a program—it was an empowering journey that left a lasting impact. She is grateful for the skills, connections, and opportunities it provided and encourages anyone considering the program to take the leap. “You won’t regret it!” Previous Next