- Minister for Crime Prevention
The Andrews Labor Government is helping at-risk young people stay on the right track by keeping them connected to their community through a global love of football.
Minister for Crime Prevention Ben Carroll visited the Craigieburn City Football Club to announce a $150,000 investment in an after-school football program, which will give up to 50 young people the chance to learn new skills and be part of a team.
Football Victoria's Community and Human Rights Advocate Hakeem al-Araibi, will help develop and be involved in the program. It will help re-engage young people, aged 14 to 17, through a range of activities aimed at reducing anti-social attitudes and offending behaviours.
The program will run two nights a week in Hume and Dandenong between February and June 2020, and teach young people about football skills, administration and event training.
In addition to gaining sporting skills from dedicated mentors and coaches, participants will also have access to a homework hub, as well as education programs around alcohol, drugs, career aspirations and leadership.
Football Victoria will work with Victoria Police to focus on young people who are at risk of engaging in anti-social attitudes and offending behaviours, such as alcohol and drug abuse, family conflict, harassment, aggression, vandalism and theft.
The partnership builds on the work of the Crime Prevention Taskforce which was established in May 2019 to help shape and drive the long-term crime prevention agenda for Victoria. The Taskforce brings together leaders from business, sport, and the community, and includes a representative from Football Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Crime Prevention Ben Carroll
"We're partnering with Football Victoria to tackle the root causes of youth offending through a love of football."
"Up to 50 young people will learn new skills and be part of a team, which can be life-changing, especially for those who haven't had access to sport or community-based programs before."
As stated by Member for Yuroke Ros Spence
"This partnership gives us the opportunity to reach young people in our community who most need support in helping to positively turn their lives around."
As stated by CEO Football Victoria Peter Filopoulos
"We know that sport can play a critical role in bringing people together and creating a stronger sense of community. Football Victoria is proud to be working with the government in helping positively transform the lives of many young people through the world game."
