At Football Australia, we believe football can bring people together and make communities stronger and more welcoming. That’s why we run two programs to help young people from different backgrounds feel included and connected through the game:
MiniRoos Settlement Program (MSP)
This program is for kids aged 4–12 from refugee and migrant families. It runs for up to 12 weeks, with fun 1-hour sessions once a week. Kids get to learn the basics of football—like dribbling, passing, and teamwork—in a friendly and supportive space. More than just football, it’s about making friends and feeling part of the community.
Multicultural Youth Program (MYP)
This program is for young people aged 13–20. Like MSP, it runs for up to 12 weeks with 1-hour sessions each week. But here, the focus is on stepping up as leaders. Along with improving football skills, participants can work towards becoming coaches or referees by earning real qualifications. It’s a chance to stay involved in football and open doors for the future.
Why these programs matter
Both MSP and MYP are designed to be flexible, fun, and welcoming. They give young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, especially those who may face challenges joining mainstream sport, the chance to play, learn, and grow through football.
Community Partnerships
Introduction: In 2024, Football Australia, alongside our member federations, worked closely with a variety of community partners, including schools, councils, clubs, NGOs, and local organisations. Using football as a key tool for engagement, we focused on addressing critical community issues and promoting collaboration.
Key Partners: Our key partners included the federal government through the Australian Sports Commission, state member federations, NGOs, multicultural leaders, families, local councils, state government, clubs, and schools. We also collaborated with neighbouring sports organisations, universities such as Western Bulldogs and La Trobe University, and community organisations like African Youth Initiatives, Monash University, Barton United, Brimbank Council, and others. These partnerships played a vital role in achieving our goals.
Notable Achievements: Successful partnerships have enabled us to establish long-term programs and ensure sustainability. For instance, the Football Empowerment AFCON tournament, which brings together 28 African nations across Victoria, has created a significant impact by showcasing the power of sport in community unity. Additionally, African Youth Initiatives have played a pivotal role in creating employment pathways for young people, helping them access career opportunities and upskilling. We have also partnered with WELS to be their physical health provider for the past 4 years, supporting our programs and making a real difference in the health and well-being of participants.
Other notable achievements include the establishment of youth leadership pathways, the development of grassroots coaching and refereeing initiatives, and the collaboration with local councils and clubs to provide opportunities for young people to transition into community football programs. These initiatives continue to have a lasting positive effect on communities, empowering individuals and fostering integration through football.
Impact: These partnerships play a crucial role in fostering social integration by using football as a tool to bring together people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through collaboration with local councils, schools, NGOs, and multicultural leaders, we’ve been able to create spaces where young people can connect, learn from each other, and feel a sense of belonging. By providing opportunities for youth to develop leadership and life skills, such as through the Football Empowerment AFCON tournament, we help them build confidence and gain valuable work experience. This leads to stronger, more connected communities, where individuals are empowered to contribute and grow.
Community Promotion
Promotion Methods: We’ve used a variety of methods to promote the MSP and MYP programs, with a strong focus on direct engagement with communities. We’ve met with key stakeholders face-to-face, attended important community calendar events, and engaged with multicultural groups to better understand their needs. These in-person interactions have allowed us to connect more meaningfully with community members and stakeholders, facilitating better awareness and understanding of the programs. In addition, we have extended our reach through online sessions and regular community visits to schools and community centres to raise awareness and share the opportunities available.
Key Achievements: One of our key achievements has been building strong, collaborative relationships across all states, working closely with our member federations to promote the programs and leverage the global appeal of football. This collaboration has allowed us to reach diverse communities and raise awareness about the MSP and MYP programs. We are also proud members of the Tasmania Multicultural Council, strengthening our connection with multicultural communities. Through these efforts, we’ve managed to increase interest and engagement in the programs, providing more opportunities for youth to connect with football.
These partnerships and relationships have helped us expand our reach, allowing us to engage communities across Australia—from rural areas like Wodonga and Mildura to Darwin, Naracoorte, and beyond. The increased engagement and awareness of the programs have allowed us to create a greater impact in these regions, ensuring that more young people from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the opportunities we provide.
Impact: By engaging with stakeholders directly and promoting the programs through multiple channels, we have successfully increased awareness about the various pathways and opportunities available through the MSP and MYP programs. This has helped us engage with even more communities, extending our reach to rural and regional areas across Australia. The program's growing popularity, especially in areas such as Wodonga, Mildura, Darwin, and Naracoorte, demonstrates the increasing demand for football as a vehicle for community engagement and development. Through these efforts, we’ve been able to foster stronger connections, create lasting impacts, and empower youth across Australia.
Community Inclusion Pathways
Program Overview: The MSP and MYP programs engage youth and their families by using football to promote social integration and community connection. These programs create an inclusive environment where participants build essential social skills while becoming part of their local communities.
Specific Initiatives: We’ve worked with community leaders to involve families in both football-related and social activities. Initiatives like free ticket giveaways to major matches, including watching the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos, have played a key role in engaging families and fostering connections.
Notable Success Stories: A major success has been empowering young people like Mayen (Sudanese), Mahadi (Afghan), and Elham (Afghan)to transition into careers and develop social skills, such as becoming real estate agents. These individuals also formed lasting friendships through the program, connecting across different parts of Melbourne.
Impact: By offering opportunities for families to connect with one another and feel welcomed by the broader community, we have created a foundation for long-term social integration. These activities, including walking out with CommBank Matilda players and participating in the Little Legends Lap in Melbourne, Geelong, Perth, Sydney & Brisbane, have empowered families to engage with their local communities, boosting confidence and encouraging continued participation in both football and social activities.
Playing Pathways
Program Overview: We provide extensive support and resources to help young people transition into local football clubs or community programs. This includes gear donations, access to community events, and opportunities to engage in local tournaments, ensuring that every participant has the tools they need to succeed.
Key Partnerships: We have partnered with organisations such as the Reagan Milstein Foundation, which donates boots, shin pads, and other gear to support young people transitioning into club football. We also collaborate with local clubs, councils, and NGOs to enhance these opportunities for youth and ensure they are well-equipped to continue their football journey.
Notable Achievements: Our partnerships have helped establish clear pathways for young people to join local clubs, participate in community tournaments, and get involved in other sports. We’ve also created coaching and refereeing opportunities, providing casual paid roles at local clubs and community associations. These pathways have benefited over 180 kids, with thousands more engaged through local events and tournaments across Australia.
Impact: By offering these pathways, we empower youth to continue their football journey while building connections within their local communities. Our initiatives to reduce fees, provide extra support, and encourage family involvement, such as helping with transport to away games, ensure that young people are supported in their transition. These measures help create a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for youth, strengthening their commitment to the sport and fostering long-term community engagement.
Coaching Pathways
Program Overview: We recognise the importance of creating pathways for young people to not only play football but also develop careers within the sport. Through our MYP, we provide training and qualifications to help youth transition into casual paid coaching or refereeing roles. This allows them to turn their passion for football into valuable employment opportunities and become active leaders in their communities.
Key Initiatives: To support these pathways, we’ve delivered a range of coaching courses in collaboration with key partners such as Football Victoria, La Trobe University, and local schools. These courses aim to equip young people with the necessary coaching qualifications and connect them with local clubs or community programs. By involving youth who speak multiple languages, we also help them integrate more easily into diverse community settings, empowering them to support and lead others.
Notable Achievements: A great example of our success is a coaching course we ran in collaboration with Football Victoria, La Trobe University, and a local high school. The program included practical sessions with community staff and insights from experienced coaches like Santi, a respected European coach. Participants learned both theory and practical skills, culminating in a real-world coaching challenge at a local primary school, supported by one of our senior coaches. This initiative has empowered many youth to run football activities in their communities, demonstrating their new coaching abilities and leadership potential.
Impact: Through these coaching pathways, we are developing leadership skills in young people and offering them career opportunities that will last beyond the program. By equipping youth with coaching qualifications and involving them in local football initiatives, we are fostering long-term community involvement. These young coaches not only lead football sessions but also serve as role models, inspiring others and helping build stronger, more connected communities.
