Football Futures Foundation delivers Multicultural Settlement Program in partnership with Football Australia

Football Futures Foundation is excited to join forces with Football Australia in launching a new Multicultural Settlement Program in Western Australia. This initiative is set to roll out in May 2024, with a dual-stream approach designed to cater to the needs of both young players and their families who are newcomers of the sport and to Australia.

The program, comprising two distinct streams – the MiniRoos Multicultural Settlement Program (for 4-11 year olds) and the Multicultural Youth Program (for 12-16 year olds) – aims to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to integrate into the football community seamlessly.

At its core, the MiniRoos Multicultural Settlement Program is tailored to introduce children to the joys of football in a nurturing and culturally sensitive setting. By leveraging the MiniRoos platform, young participants will not only develop fundamental football skills but also forge friendships and connections within their local communities.

Complementing this, the Multicultural Youth Program targets older participants, offering tailored support to navigate the complexities of settling into a new community. Through a blend of football activities, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, this stream seeks to empower young people from diverse cultural backgrounds to overcome barriers, make new friends and community connections via the beautiful game.

One of the key objectives of the program is to facilitate the transition of participants into local clubs or other playing opportunities. By providing pathways for integration, the initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the broader football landscape.

Speaking about the partnership, acting Executive Officer, Art Hiemstra expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative effort, stating, “This partnership between the Football Futures Foundation and Football Australia represents a significant step forward in our collective commitment to diversity and inclusion. By harnessing the power of football, we aim to create welcoming spaces where individuals from all walks of life can thrive.”

With the program activation scheduled for this year, anticipation is running high among stakeholders eager to witness the positive impact of this groundbreaking initiative. As Australia’s football community continues to evolve, initiatives like the Multicultural Settlement Program serve as a testament to the sport’s ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds under a common passion.

For further information about the program and how to get involved, please contact Jason Brown on 0452 490 833 or jasonb@footballfutures.org.au

Learn more about the Multicultural Settlement Program here.