Student Edition

Olivia Hargreaves

On March 13th, a group of selected students and teachers attended the AAMI Park anti-racism project on how we can use the power of football to fight against racism as a community. The event was hosted by AYA (African Youth Association), the Victorian Government, Melbourne Victory, and Melbourne City – Melbourne's very own football teams. 

The event was invite-only – five Year 9 students and one Year 7 student were selected. The staff members in charge were Dexter and Vincent, who helped students through 25-minute group activities, which included planning, expanding ideas and discussing issues and solutions to fight racism using the power of football. After 2 and a half hours and a lunch break, groups went on stage and presented their ideas to Victorian MPs and senators. 

After feedback and questions, Melbourne Victory players Sebastian Esposito, Louis D’arrigo and Melbourne City players Beckham Baker and Ryan Kalms talked about racism in football and answered student questions. Our selected Year 7 was incredibly lucky and even got a signed Melbourne Victory scarf and a chat with the players. The event ended with a Q&A where students asked Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City players further questions they were curious about.