Rotary brings international communities together

A new futsal league competition has started for 60 young refugee and asylum seeker men living in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
The fORT Youth Centre manager Daniel Parker said the centre is also keen to get some of the young girls involved as well with a volleyball competition in the future.
Between 60 and 80 young men have been participating in a formal weekly competition on a Monday evening, initially with six teams last year which then, due to demand, grew to eight.
All teams have their own uniforms and team logos and are of mixed nationalities.
The Futsal League commenced last year under a partnership initiative between the council’s fOrT Youth Centre and Corio Leisuretime Centre in conjunction with Football Federation Victoria and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Corio Bay.
Its aim was to address a gap in competitive sport for refugees and asylum seekers who live in the northern suburbs, to be held in their own community.
All players have an introductory program, including the rules of the game so the boys can learn about good sportsmanship and gain an insight into Australian sport.
Some of the boys have also gone on to train to become referees.
A grand final has been held for the end of the first season and is now well into the second season.
Every evening is jammed packed with enthusiasm, high levels of skill and a very competitive edge.
It’s exciting to watch and there are postings on the council’s Facebook page and web site of the ladder and events.
The Youth Centre manager said school holiday activities that the boys will run for junior aged kids from their communities will give them an opportunity to try futsal.
Mr Parker said it was a very successful initiative with enjoyment, skill and high levels of participation.
Anyone who is thinking about how to support great initiatives in the community can contact Corio Bay Rotary Club on 0419 312 799.