Sports participation in schools has always been well below the expected standards. The current pandemic made it even worse for school aged children to participate in any form of physical activities.

For younger children, sports are often a way to socialize and build upon essential skills outside classroom. When school and other social interactions have been taken away, not having sports can cause a child to feel isolated. This is due in part to the excess of academic interventions taking place after school and partly due to the busy life of teachers, parents and guardians. Hence over 70% of the activities that we do at the homework club are mainly sport related physical activities.

The activities begin immediately after students finish their classes to provide a productive break from study. Students then head off to the library to participate in the other parts of the program and do some extra work specially on their daily readings and math.

Our program is committed to the overall wellbeing of each student. We acknowledge that Kids need to eat a variety of nutritious foods for optimal health, growth and development. For that reason, we provide them with delicious healthy snacks in between activities in an attempt to provide energy to pump up and concentrate on their homework.

As an opportunity to promote healthy eating tips, the coordinator usually initiates conversation on dining etiquettes and how proper table manners play an important part in making a favourable impression not only for adults but also for kids. In these discussions, students learn about the importance of healthy eating habits and exercise in preventing illnesses like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

In our sport activities we work with top trainers from Melbourne City FC who often bring prizes to motivate and reward students for their participation.
Melbourne City primary objective is to develop and grow football programs to create positive social impact within the community.

Globally, the City Football Foundation uses the power of football to address five social issues:

• Social inclusion
• Health
• Education
• Unemployment
• Crime Prevention

Taking advantage of these micro programs; we aim to continue to provide a fun and safe environment for primary school aged children from diverse backgrounds, in particular those from the Somali community residing in Melbourne’s inner west develop their football skills with the help and support of Melbourne City FC’s community coaches.