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The efforts of midfielder Charlie Lazzaro have been recognised with the Peter Scanlon Community Award for 2022 < Back 'Laz' rises to claim Peter Scanlon Community Award Samantha Weston 2 Sept 2022 The efforts of midfielder Charlie Lazzaro have been recognised with the Peter Scanlon Community Award for 2022 Charlie Lazzaro experienced first-hand the impact that AFL players have on fostering a love of the sport in-person throughout his childhood in Geelong. He knew that if his dreams of playing professional football came to be, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, that he had a strong desire to return the favour to his new community in North Melbourne. Charlie was presented his jumper for Round 1 of 2021, and since then, has played 24 games for North Melbourne at a senior level. The now 20-year-old has been commended for his professionalism, resilience and maturity, the likes of which resemble someone who has been playing at a professional level for far longer than himself. He gives some of this credit to his senior teammates, who along with the younger cohort, have “…looked after us and really helped us transition into the AFL environment and really encouraged us not to go into our shells.” Charlie puts a lot of emphasis on team spirit at North Melbourne, and how the jump from playing Under 18s to AFL is underpinned by looking after your teammates, rather than individual performance. Since the middle of 2022, Charlie has been involved on a weekly basis with a program run by The Huddle that is very close to his heart. Huddle Up! Is a multisport program that provides young people with the opportunity to get involved and get active through social games of a variety of sports, as well as health and fitness classes delivered in a safe and inclusive environment. Growing up in Geelong, Charlie looks back fondly on the experience of AFL players coming to visit his school or trainings to share advice and get fellow aspiring players excited about what a future in footy might look like. These experiences helped shape as a player, and he is proud to be able to provide this experience to his new community at North Melbourne. Later into Charlie’s school years, he took part in the Duke of Edinburgh - an international youth development program that allows young people explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion, and place in the world. One focus of the Award is Voluntary Service, and Charlie spent his volunteer time throughout the program finding his passion for helping others and learning about the profound effect that volunteering his time can have on the wider community. [The Duke of Ed] was a pathway, and once I was lucky enough to get drafted to North, I was able to start working with The Huddle Program, and I’ve really enjoyed helping out since I started. - Charlie Lazzaro It is clear to Huddle Up! attendees and volunteers that Charlie has a special eye for inclusion. He can be seen always going out of his way to make sure every young person is getting the most out of the experience. If he spots someone falling a bit behind or catches them in their shell, he will always go out of his way to get them involved and getting the most out of the experience. He also makes the effort to hang around and shoot hoops or chat with the participants after the session is complete and shows a real joy for fostering these important relationships. On Thursday night, Charlie was named the winner of The Peter Scanlon Community Award, which exemplifies the spirit of giving, going the ‘extra mile’ on numerous occasions, often without recognition, and never expecting fanfare. During his acceptance speech, he talked about what an honour receiving the award was and how much it means to him. He has come full circle in giving back to his community what was so important to him in his youth, and has made a lasting impression on so many of young people at The Huddle in the process. Previous Next

The holidays got heated at the Huddle Holidays Volleyball Tournament! < Back Heating up the holidays with a Volleyball Tournament! 3 July 2024 The holidays got heated at the Huddle Holidays Volleyball Tournament! The Huddle Holiday Senior group gathered at Eagle Stadium, a venue filled with excitement and anticipation as the players prepared to showcase their skills on the court. The atmosphere was electric as teams geared up for intense matches, each player fueled by a combination of determination and camaraderie. With every smash, spike, and dive, the stadium echoed with cheers and high fives, a true testament to the passion and sportsmanship displayed by all participants. As the school holidays kicked off, these athletes left it all on the court, embodying the spirit of competition and teamwork. It was a memorable event where bonds were forged, memories were made, and a love for the game was reignited in each and every player. 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

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

Meet Huddle volunteer, Chilean journalist and footy convert Israel Segall < Back Cultural Diversity Week – Israel Segall Riley Goodwin 24 May 2022 Meet Huddle volunteer, Chilean journalist and footy convert Israel Segall As part of Cultural Diversity Week, The Huddle chatted to people involved in our programs to share their story and talk about their culture and what it means to them. The Huddle spoke to Israel Segall who came to The Huddle through our Welcome to AFL program and now volunteers his time in that same program. Tell us a bit about yourself I’m a Chilean journalist, and a Spanish teacher. I came to Australia to study a Master's degree in creative literature. I love sports, especially soccer and basketball and I'm excited to have discovered footy! How did you find about the Welcome to AFL and The Huddle? The Huddle given me a tremendous opportunity to bring me closer to Australian culture in a relaxed and fun way, the staff are cheerful and eager to integrate us. There is nothing more Australian than footy, comparable only to vegemite. My first game was amazing and I loved that the North Melbourne fans were willing to share their love for a team with us, discuss the rules of the sport and the value it holds for them. A lady sitting next to me watching the game was my guide, plus the opportunity to start with women's footy was even more interesting. The players were fierce and fought with passion during play. What does cultural diversity mean to you? Cultural diversity is an approach to the essence of being human; it is discovering and being discovered. It’s opening a huge door to different worlds, with respect and joy. How do you celebrate your culture? Latin culture is characterised by joy, dancing, music and delicious food. We are a culture of hugs and constant smiles, perhaps because our history has been full of conflicts, our outburst is colourful and festive. For Latinos the party never ends! Previous Next

The Huddle and Motorsport Australia are proud to announce a new partnership to integrate motorsport into Australian schools < Back Motorsport joins The Huddle 12 June 2024 The Huddle and Motorsport Australia are proud to announce a new partnership to integrate motorsport into Australian schools Aligned to the Australian and Victorian curriculum and New South Wales syllabus, GOAL! is a free online motorsport-themed curriculum designed to strengthen students’ knowledge and use of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from grades 5 to 8. The new motorsport lessons are now available through The Huddle’s website for teachers eager to engage their students in the classroom. The lesson plans, designed in collaboration with the Mathematical Association of Victoria, provide opportunities for students to try new and exciting challenges, including designing a race car, engineering a racetrack, building a Supercars Championship team with a limited budget, designing a rally course, designing and building a helmet for an egg and more. The Huddle’s CEO Cameron McLeod said the opportunity to welcome motorsport to the growing list of sports collaborating with The Huddle to strengthen education and employment for young people is significant. “Motorsport has a big global footprint and a large following here in Australia,” McLeod said. “The lesson plans have been designed by teachers, for teachers to help engage their students to learn and apply STEM in the real-world.” “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at Motorsport Australia who have a genuine passion for community and helping to showcase the skills and talents of young people from diverse backgrounds.” Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra said the program would be an important asset to further grow the sport’s following, while assisting students with their education. “The Huddle has a proud history in the community, and we all know the power sport can have with engaging young people in their education,” Vohra said. “We’re excited to have partnered with The Huddle to deliver this very special education experience. “These sorts of initiatives are extremely important for the continued growth in motorsport, running alongside our fantastic junior development programs such as FIA Girls On Track and First Gear. Combine that with the clear educational benefits this program provides, and we know this partnership will be a clear winner.” Find out more at thehuddle.org.au/motorsportaustralia About The Huddle: Born out of the role and value of sport and the influence the North Melbourne Football Club plays in connecting people across different ages, genders, and cultures; The Huddle was established in 2010 as the community arm of the Club in partnership with the Scanlon Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation. It was established to engage, support, and empower young people to build on their strengths, increase their ability to participate in society and contribute to more socially inclusive communities. The Huddle works with some of the most iconic sporting clubs in the world to help young people learn, grow, and belong in the places where they live, learn, work, worship, and play. Since 2010, The Huddle has engaged over 155,000 young people from over 160 different cultures to help them learn, grow and feel a stronger sense of belonging to their community. About Motorsport Australia: As a member-based organisation, we exist for our members. Motorsport Australia (previously the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport), has been the custodian of motorsport since 1953, facilitating motorsport across the country, under delegation by the sport’s global governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Over the 70 years since CAMS was founded we have worked to grow the sport, adapt to the latest technology and most importantly, deliver a safe, fair and inclusive sport for everyone to enjoy. Motorsport Australia currently has approximately 25,000 active competition licence holders, along with 10,000 volunteer officials who are the lifeblood of motorsport. About the Mathematical Association of Victoria: The Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV) is the Victorian professional membership body for mathematics educators and schools across the education sector. MAV reaches educators directly through membership, schools and a range of direct professional services. Everything they do is about supporting better mathematics outcomes for students. They do this by equipping and empowering incredible educators by helping them every day. MAV is a highly respected, proactive professional association that fosters the promotion of mathematics education. 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

From online beginnings to hands-on learning, Kevin’s made the most of every moment. < Back Kevin’s Huddle Journey: New Skills, New Friends, New Perspectives Patrick McPhee 30 July 2025 From online beginnings to hands-on learning, Kevin’s made the most of every moment. Kevin started attending activities with The Huddle back in 2020, as were the times back then, a lot of his introduction to The Huddle was through online programs. He participated in online sporting sessions, picnics and exciting education activities, such as a mammal encounter! Once the world opened up, Kevin continued accessing programs as they returned to face to face. Through Huddle Holidays he has attended snow trips, surf trips, yoga classes and more. At Huddle Up! Junior he has been introduced and developed skills in a range of sports and has also attended community events such as Iftar. Most recently Kevin attended his first Huddle Holidays Senior activity, a Barista course where he learned to make coffees. A skill he hopes to take home, to be able to make coffees for his family. Kevin has attended many Junior programs alongside his brother Louis, however he has also been bold and open to attending programs alone where he has had great experiences and met new people which has helped to, as he says, “widen his eyes and see the world in a different perspective”. See below Kevin’s responses to our questions exploring his experience at The Huddle! What’s Your name and how old are you?   My name is Kevin and I am 12 years old.  What are some of the activities you have done with The Huddle?  I have been ice skating, coffee making, tennis, Snow mountain excursions, and also been to footy and weekly sports at north Melbourne community centre.  What has been your favourite activity?  I like going to the snow mountains, coffee making and ice skating.  Why was it your favourite activity and how did it make you feel?  My favourite activity is coffee making because in this whole day activity I get to learn something new that I have never experienced before.  What have you learnt at The Huddle?  I learnt how to make coffee, play footy, basketball, tennis, skate on ice, ski on snow and also learnt how to be kind to others without hurting yourself either physically or mentally.  What keeps you coming back to The Huddle and what would you tell someone attending for the first time?  I like to come to the huddle because it makes me widen my eyes and see the world in a different perspective. Previous Next

Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club partnership with The Huddle < Back 2023 Huddle Holidays Summer Ruth Game 22 Feb 2023 Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club partnership with The Huddle Over 300 young people and their families across the City of Melbourne, Moonee Valley City Council and Wyndham City Council have participated in The Huddle Anglesea Surf Trip since 2018. This full day event is in partnership with the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC) and provides young people, their parents, and caregivers the opportunity to participate in a day safely and supportively at the beach. This event would not run successfully without the full support and in-kind assistance from the ASLSC including providing The Huddle access to their venue, a volunteer to cook lunch, and a 1:3 ratio of nippers to keep everyone safe in the water. The Anglesea Surf Trip is the most anticipated activity within the Huddle Holidays calendar thanks to the generous and authentic contribution of ASLSC. It's a pleasure to have The Huddle come to Anglesea. I've helped for many years now with my sister. It's nice to see familiar faces. - Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club volunteer The Anglesea Surf Trip unites families to participate in a quintessential Australian Summer activity – swimming at the beach. Numerous parents have declared their hesitation or inability to travel to Anglesea, so this activity allows for North Melbourne community members to be driven to the beach by coach. I love this trip to the beach. I only go to local beaches and can't drive my children to Anglesea. This is their favourite Huddle activity. The ASLSC make us feel welcome every time. The volunteers are very friendly. - Parent Once at the beach, a water safety session is provided by up to 50 volunteers from ASLSC who are young people themselves. This water safety component is essential to build confidence in the water and trust with the volunteers. Participants learn about rips and how to quickly call for help or get themselves to safety when in danger. As the ratio of ASLSC volunteers to participants is 1:3, participants are supported safely in the water to take calculated risks and enjoy the surf. Additionally, volunteers from ASLSC are exceptionally friendly and excited to engage with all participants and families of The Huddle. The volunteers (ASLSC) are really nice and fun and keep us safe in the water. I get to go out deep in the waves with them. - Nine-year-old For many families in and around North Melbourne, The Huddle Anglesea Surf Trip has become an integral part of the yearly Huddle Holiday experience. Since 2018, The Huddle Anglesea Surf Trip, in partnership with the ASLSC, has welcomed over 350 young people and their families to a day at the beach. 2023 welcomed almost 60 participants, up to 50 volunteers and 10 Huddle staff for another fantastic day in the surf. I wanted to tell you that I loved going to the beach with The Huddle. It’s my first time at Anglesea and I had the best time. I really want to go again next time. I loved surfing and being in the water. - Seven-year-old Previous Next

An 8-year Surfing Adventure with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea < Back Making Waves in Anglesea Ruth Game 19 Feb 2024 An 8-year Surfing Adventure with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club and Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea The collaborative effort between Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC), Go Ride a Wave, Anglesea (GRAW) and The Huddle created another joyous beach experience for young participants and their parents this January. The generous provision of wetsuits and surf lessons from GRAW, coupled with the dedication of ASLSC volunteers, has each year become one of the major highlights of The Huddle calendar. This initiative, beginning in 2016 and now funded by The Department of Education and Bendigo Bank Seddon introduces first-timers to the beach, teaches skills for water competency and provides a quintessential Australian experience all by the generosity of the Anglesea community. Since the beginning of this partnership, over 150 wetsuits and 8 surf lessons provided by GRAW, there has been enthusiastic participation of ASLSC volunteers and the wider club over 9 visits to their venue, and overwhelming positive feedback from 300+ participants. "I was so impressed with the patience and enthusiasm that the young water safety volunteers displayed. They genuinely made the days of so many young people." – Huddle Staff Member In 2016, families living in Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne and Ascot Vale were invited to brainstorm ideas for a Huddle school holiday program to keep youth engaged over the break. The concept of a Surf Trip began to form, and The Huddle reached out to Go Ride A Wave and Anglesea was quickly suggested as a suitable location for beginners. From there, a relationship with Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club was established and has strengthened year on year. ASLSC’s Nippers, volunteers, and young people have been keeping other young people and their families safe in the water and have shared in the joy of many participants’ first time at the beach. Three themes have emerged from this partnership over the years; the importance of water competency, social inclusion, and providing what is a quintessential Australian experience; a day at the beach with a snag. "I was so excited, and a bit nervous. I got dumped by a wave but I will definitely come back next year!” - Participant The generous contribution of wetsuits and surf lessons by GRAW has been a game-changer. Paired with the dedication of ASLSC volunteers and their newly renovated venue, the event has been meticulously organised every year. Partnering with GRAW and ASLSC has ensured the sustainability of such a well-loved program. “I was so impressed with the patience and enthusiasm that the young water safety volunteers displayed. They genuinely made the days of so many young people." – Huddle Staff Member “I can’t emphasise enough how loved this day is by the families we work with and that’s in huge part to the warmth and generosity of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club.” – Huddle staff member The success of this place-based partnerships initiative funded by the Department of Education and Bendigo Bank Seddon paves the way for future collaborations with ASLSC and Go Ride a Wave Anglesea. The Huddle is committed to expanding this program, ensuring more young people can experience the joy of the ocean in a safe and supportive environment. “The waves are kinda hard and I was like oh my god, I was really scared... I had a try and then it was really fun!” – Huddle participant To support initiatives like these and make a lasting impact on young lives, consider contributing to The Huddle's mission. Your support can help create more memorable experiences and positive transformations for the community. Previous Next

< Back Meet Selina from Study Squad! A safe space for young people engaged in education to learn, grow and belong. Patrick McPhee Previous Next

< Back Game Changers in Action: Driving Ubuntu African Australian Career Expo Young leaders took the reins — and redefined what’s possible. John King Previous Next