Social soccer for the diverse next gen

CHILDREN from diverse multicultural communities are invited to Morshead Park this Saturday to learn soccer skills and make social connections.

The Miniroos soccer session is an initiative of Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council and Football Victoria, targeting kids between five and 12 years old who are new to Australia, or are from a migrant or refugee background.

Facilitator and coach Lunorphare Folly will be assisted by soccer player and refugee, Hakeem al-Araibi and former Socceroo Josh Kennedy.

He said the clinic responds to a gap identified by the state body.

“Football Victoria noticed people from diverse communities were not getting into soccer as much at an early age,” Mr Folly said.

“Young diverse people tend to get into sport a lot older, in their early to late teens, so this program is trying to close that gap and give them an opportunity to connect and play with other diverse people.

“Hopefully from there, they’ll go into clubs a lot sooner than what they usually do.”

Basic soccer skills will be covered, from dribbling to passing techniques. Modified mini games will be played and two proper matches.

“They’ll get the fundamentals of how a soccer match might look and how it works, but more importantly, they’re connecting with other people from the same situation as them and making some new friends out of it,” Mr Folly said.

“The Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility at Morshead Park is amazing and was created for this purpose. When the kids can play on that surface, it gives them a bit more enjoyment.”

Miniroos will run from 1pm to 2.30pm this Saturday, 19 December. Participants can register ahead of the event or just turn up on the day.

For more information contact Mr Folly on 0413 572 541 or send an email to [email protected].