St Kilda Football Club and Moorabbin Airport have joined forces to launch a landmark multicultural schools program across Melbourne’s southern suburbs.
The Moorabbin Airport All Nations Program will see some of Victoria’s most multicultural schools immersed in AFL, through school programs, round robin tournaments, holiday programs and a Next Generation Academy scholarship program.
“We’re really excited to launch this program in conjunction with Moorabbin Airport,” St Kilda General Manager of Community Lisa Laing said.
“Many of these students are new to the country and have had little exposure to Australian Rules or how to get involved.
“Through this program, we’ll have an increased presence in schools and communities with great cultural diversity, introducing them to footy skills and opportunities to continue their connection with AFL.”
Since opening in 1949, Moorabbin airport has focused on training the next generation in an aviation context.
“The Moorabbin Airport All Nations Program gives us an opportunity to broaden this support to make a real impact on the lives of young people in south east Melbourne, in conjunction with St Kilda Football Club.” Moorabbin Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Paul Ferguson said.
The program was launched this week at the All Nations Gala Day, which saw male and female students from 13 local schools take part in a round-robin tournament.
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“We have had a fantastic response from our whole school community since holding the Saints clinics after school,” Springvale Rise Primary School teacher Wendy Griffiths said.
“Our school and Springvale District has now developed a competitive and skilled inter-school football competition due to our involvement in the Saints program
The Moorabbin Airport All Nations Program will continue to be rolled out across Melbourne southern suburbs over the coming months.
