A group of Melbourne City’s Young Leaders were given a unique opportunity in late October, when they took on the Parliamentary Football Team on the grounds of Parliament House in Canberra.
The Young Leaders, a group of outstanding individuals aged between 16-25 who are involved with City in the Community’s leadership programs, ran out 7-4 winners in what was a well-contested match. Played in good spirit and filled with plenty of laughs, the game saw some great passages of play from either side.
After the final whistle, City’s Young Leaders and the various ministers of the Parliamentary Football Team mingled, with the visiting youngsters having the opportunity to learn about the differing roles of their opponents off the pitch, whilst also getting to explain the programs facilitated by City in the Community, including those around respectful relationships, junior and community sport participation, and homework clubs. The Young Leaders were then treated with a tour around Parliament House.
Events such as this are one of many unique experiences afforded to the Young Leaders to provide the opportunity for skills development and learning from established professionals. For the Club, it is an opportunity to strengthen the connection with Melbourne City stakeholders in government in order to more effectively deliver a range of community programs benefitting Victorians.
City in The Community Events and Program Coordinator Josie Mirarchi said ‘ It was an awesome experience to play football at Parliament House, something a lot of us won’t forget! To then go inside and have a behind the scenes tour was also very exciting’.
Head of Community at Melbourne City Sunil Menon said ‘ It was such a privilege for us to have the day in Canberra, competing against MP’s on the pitch and then being able to present our work to them off it. For many of Young Leaders, to be heard and acknowledged by people in these positions is a real testament to their hard work and dedication to our CiTC programs.
A huge thank you also to our local member Cassandra Fernando MP for her assistance in setting up the day. We can’t thank her enough for her ongoing support of Melbourne City FC. ‘
