Melbourne City FC proudly announces that Narre Warren South P-12 College will be the first school in Victoria to incorporate the new ‘City Futures’ program, developed by City in the Community (CITC), as part of its regular school timetable.
Narre Warren South P-12 College has a long history of working with CITC, having previously partnered to deliver youth-focused programs including; I Speak Football, Young Leaders, Homework Clubs and the annual Blue Ribbon Cup match between a CITC select team and the Victoria Police.
To build the City Futures program, the Club sought feedback from schools within the CITC network and found that on days when CITC is present, student attendance is higher, behaviour is improved and better relationships are formed both with peers and teachers.
CITC hopes to maximise these positive outcomes at Narre Warren South P-12 College with its adoption of the new City Futures program within its regular timetable.
The program incorporates CITC principles of football, community, and leadership across Years 7 -9. This will see on and off-pitch education from CITC coaches, visits to the City Football Academy at Casey Fields, and guest speakers and presenters from a range of industries.
“The launch of City Futures is significant for us as it marks a new way of working for the club and CITC, Melbourne City FC Head of Community, Sunil Menon said.
“By embedding ourselves within school environments, we are forming deeper relationships with students and teachers alike, continuing our mantra of using football as a vehicle for connection and personal development.
“We are delighted that Narre P12 are our first partner school in this program and look forward to seeing the impact on students for years to come,” Menon said, “Narre P12 and principal Peter Thatcher have been terrific supporters of our work for a long time and we’re delighted they are the first school to launch this program.”
Principal of Narre Warren South P12 College, Peter Thatcher was highly complimentary of the work of CITC.
“Having Melbourne City delivering this program in our school is significant for our students,” Thatcher said.
“The connection to a professional football club has clear benefits in terms of coaching and professionalism, but also opens students’ eyes to the possibilities of working within the sporting industry and the social impact that sport can have on the broader community.”
In addition to promoting a raft of interpersonal values vital for life on and off the sporting field, Melbourne City also hopes to strengthen its footballing pathways within its neighbouring communities in South East Melbourne, and that City Futures will help it to tap into the hotbed of talent on its doorstep.
