Melbourne Victory was delighted to host the First Nations community at the Original Rivalry double header earlier this month/in December.
More than 40 young people, their families, and youth services from across Victoria enjoyed a ‘come and try’ football clinic, met players from the Men’s and Women’s A-League teams and experienced a behind-the-scenes tour of AAMI Park before being part of a special on-pitch experience ahead of the matches against Adelaide United.
Connecting with the Club, the activity supported First Nations communities who have limited access to football and represents a meaningful step towards reconciliation for people who experience social exclusion in Australia.
Participants developed skills on the pitch in a sport many had never received the opportunity to play, due to low participation numbers, because of historical disengagement from the wider football ecosystem.
Parent and Koorie Engagement Support Officer, Drucilla Morgan, could not speak highly enough of the experience.
“The event was fantastic, my kids are still talking about it a week later, and you better believe my oldest took his signed football to school so he can show it off to all of his mates!
“Melbourne Victory really exceeded my expectations, that was nothing like I expected, from meeting players, the background tour, going onto the pitch, getting to watch two games and being on the big screen, you really went above and beyond, our kids dream of one day becoming you guys, and I think this opportunity lit that fire in not only my sons tummy but a lot of the other kids too. It’s actually making me emotional just saying this.
“I really hope you guys continue running programs like this next year. As a Koorie Engagement Support Officer, I know there are schools and students across Victoria that would love to be involved in programs like this.”
The day culminated in a celebration of former Matilda and Victory goalkeeper Lydia Williams, a proud Noongar woman, celebrating her stellar playing career across both domestic and international competitions, and continued leadership in the women’s and First Nations spaces.
As a transition opportunity from her playing career, Williams now helps develop connections with First Nations communities, which have seen programs delivered at the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School across the 2025 school year.
MVFC Community Engagement Officer, Williams, reflected on a special event.
“It was a rewarding day to see the interest First Nations young people have in football.
“It’s exciting to see the potential that a ‘come and try’ day can have on the community and the opportunity for further engagement. It’s important that this is continued and built upon every year.”
