Last week Melbourne City FC celebrated its community outreach and charity program, City in the Community, recognising the Club’s ongoing commitment to the Victorian community, during the bi-annual CITC Week.
With social responsibility an essential part of the fabric of Melbourne City FC, CITC ran several programs throughout the week, using the power of football to inspire, educate and create opportunities for men, women and youth of various social and multicultural backgrounds.
See our recap of the week that started off with our men’s and women’s double header at AAMI Park.
Sunday 27 November
Match Day – Double Header
CITC Week kicked off on Sunday as Melbourne City’s Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League teams took the field for an entertaining double-header.
At the match, CITC highlighted its work through Cityzens Giving with Young Leaders from the ‘I Speak Football’ program encouraging fans attending the match at AAMI Park to choose their cause at the voting booth.
At AAMI Park, the Club’s community development officers also worked with soccer participants from The Soccer Hub, Indigenous groups and the Three Colours Soccer Club from regional Victoria.
Monday 28 November
City in the Community Golf Day
Melbourne City’s City in the Community Week continued on Monday, with the Club holding its annual Golf Day, proudly supported by partner MatchWorks, at Huntingdale Golf Course, in support of CITC programs.
The event allows fans and partners to come together and enjoy a round on the home of the Australian Masters for a good cause.
Over 60 golfers – made up from Club partners and supporters MatchWorks, Jetport Airport Parking, Northern Motor Group, La Trobe University, Edge Clothing and Bully Zero Australia.
In 2015, the Golf Day raised money for CITC programs including MatchWork’s City Start, which helped young men from culturally diverse backgrounds gain employment.
In 2016, $7500 was raised for City in the Community. Money raised will go towards the joint football and job skills programs that the Club runs with MatchWorks.
Thank you to the hole sponsors Hostplus, Nissan, MatchWorks and Dreamstreet Lending
Fundraising initiatives included buy Jason Day’s drive, buy a Birdie, raffle and MatchWorks quoits challenge
St Benedict’s Primary School – Burwood
Melissa, Adam and Theo attend St Benedict’s PS and deliver fun filled football clinics whilst educating students on the importance of social inclusion and how football can be used for social impact. All students had a terrific day and one student even nutmegged Adam. All students showed their support for the Melbourne Cityzens Giving Project.
Tuesday 29 November
Concord School – Bundoora
Melissa and Theo attended the Concord School in Bundoora visiting high school students with additional learning needs. It was a fantastic experience for our coaches to work with such enthusiastic individuals. We exposed the students to a variety of new football skills, played some fun games and finished off with a match. The session focussed on social inclusion and participation as well as the key to football, fun!
Wednesday 30 November
Street Soccer Program – North Melbourne
Our community coaches attended the Street Soccer session held at the North Melbourne Community Centre where 10-15 adults learned about ways to improve mental health through meditation and to increase physical activity through football. The Street Soccer program offers a safe space for teens and adults to make new friends and play football. The match showcased some excellent skills however most importantly, it included and encouraged all involved.
Thursday 1 December
City Pathways Program – Preston
Our community coaches attended the 10 week City Pathways program with MatchWorks to support individuals who are unemployed. The goal is to empower these individuals to feel confident, make new friends, learn new football skills and ultimately acquire a role in the workforce. Adam from the community team delivered a nutritional session educating all participants on a balanced healthy lifestyle.
Friday 2 December
Disability Sport and Recreation Festival
The Annual Disability in Sport Festival featured many different sporting organisations showcasing how they contribute to people with a disability playing the sports they love. As a club, Melbourne City has been a part of the festival for many years, continuing our ongoing support of Blind Football, Power Chair Football and the promotion of the Cityzens Giving Project. Overall it was a fantastic day and we look forward to supporting Disability in Sport for many years to come.”
Saturday 3 December
Match Day – vs Brisbane
Saturday was the International Day of People with Disability and we welcomed a range of groups that City in the Community work with to AAMI Park to participate in match day.
From playing on the ground at half time to walking out with the players, groups from Northcote City’s disability team, Leisure Network’s intellectual disability team, Blind Football, Deaf Children Victoria and Glen Eira’s intellectual disability teams participated in the event on match day.
We also had our power chair football team members interviewed at the ground and the Pararoos as well.
