Family football event builds stronger community connections

MSP is a free MiniRoos program for boys and girls aged 5 to 11 who have arrived in Australia within the past five years. It aims to foster relationships between clubs, schools and local communities to engage and provide playing opportunities for newly-arrived children.

The day of tournaments and celebrations included events for children, women and girls, parents versus kids, walking football, cultural performances, face painting, rides, dance battles and prizes.

It provided an opportunity for newly arrived migrants and refugees to socialise, build stronger connections with other individuals and communities, and make new friends.

It also provided a space where parents could be involved in their children’s and young people’s interests and talents, and explore different things.

Of those who attended, 150 participated in the facilitated games and an overwhelming 110 of those participants were female.

The walking football activity was the talk of the day as it gave those who preferred a less-active approach a chance to participate in the day’s festivities and excitement.

Tresor Rusangiza, Senior Sports and Recreation Officer at MSC, was thrilled with the turnout and people’s involvement.

“The Family Event provided MSC a great opportunity to build a stronger relationship with Football Queensland and it will definitely be a benefit as we work towards future events and opportunities for people in our community,” he said.