Melbourne Victory was proud to support the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association (MCSA) in delivering the Unite Cup last month.
An annual event, running for almost a decade, it formed part of the Unite Women’s Football Festival hosted by the Club at Darebin Sports Centre on Saturday, November 15.
More than 90 women and girls attended, enjoying a memorable, social 6-a-side tournament held in partnership with the MCSA, which was supported by Victory, and the Federal Government’s Play Our Way funding program launched following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to inspire women and girls to increase rates of physical activity.
The Unite Cup provided an opportunity for people from migrant and refugee communities to enjoy playing football without the barriers of cost and unsafe cultural environments. Notably, this allowed many participants to enjoy the matches while their children were engaged in fun and engaging activities.
All teams involved were shaped from the weekly programs the Club delivers across the north and west of Melbourne. This included a group of Iraqi migrant women from cohealth, who participate in a weekly program in St Albans, with Victory subsidising their bus travel to attend the tournament.
BiCultural Worker at cohealth, Maryaan Essa, told MelbourneVictory.com about the event’s value for women and girls.
“Our group is from Iraq, where we didn’t get to play sport or be active. Now, thanks to this program, we can play football with our friends.
“Through this program, the women felt the encouragement, mentorship and a welcoming environment that allowed them to enjoy the experience of this sport for the very first time. Many participants have discovered new confidence, teamwork skills and a sense of belonging as they stepped onto the field, overcoming cultural and personal barriers with every kick and pass.
“This event was a day to celebrate the sport together, a day with fun, shared moments and meeting new women. The program hasn’t just introduced football – it opened doors to empowerment, physical activity and community connection, leaving a lasting positive influence on all the women and girls involved.”
Melbourne Victory Community Inclusion Lead, Jo Whittet, commented on the tournament’s power in supporting women across the state.
“The Unite Women’s Football Festival was a fantastic day which saw female groups from across Melbourne come together to play football, connect and have fun. I loved seeing so many women, who were new to the game, smiling and enjoying the day, with lots of laughs and connections being made across different groups.
“What was so special about this event was that it was designed and delivered by young women from our Girls Only School Holiday Program. After creating the event concept during the program, they stepped into leadership roles on the day – refereeing matches, coordinating fixtures, and running kids’ activities. Their confidence and enthusiasm helped make the event a success.
“This festival was a powerful reminder of football’s ability to unite communities, create opportunities, and empower women and girls at every level.”
The Federal Government Play Our Way Program is enabling Melbourne Victory to build hubs of activity around metropolitan Melbourne, linking schools, community services and local clubs that support women and girls from migrant and refugee communities with more fitness opportunities and skills that improve leadership, social connection and employability.
