BACKGROUND ABOUT US
Football Empowerment (FE) was established in 2016 by a group of young people from the western suburbs of Melbourne. Building on their passion for football, these youngsters desired more and dreamt bigger for the CALD communities in the Westside. Seeing Football as a catalyst for potential change, with its undeniable ability to brake racial, gender, sexual and many other barriers; the young people started building this fast-growing Football based organisation that is quickly becoming a Football Empire in the western suburbs of Melbourne. In its short establishment years, the organisation has carried out various community-based soccer programs and events with vision to engage young people who are at risk or who could potentially be at risk of disengagement. Coming from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds; the founders of the organisation understood the challenges faced by the young people from CALD communities; and we continue to understand the struggles today; this organisation has become the medium for many young people who are at risk of disengagement.
Using football as our template, we aim to educate, mentor and monitor the progress of young people in our communities. We have a desire to impact the health and wellbeing of young people and develop youth leaders who can contribute to the social fabric of the community. Two of Football Empowerment’s main goals are to identify young leaders within our circle of engagement and link them with noticeable organisations for employment. The selected leaders will be made the sources of inspiration and aspiration for other young people. We want to inspire young people from CALD communities to start aiming higher in choice of occupation. The second main goal relates to our desire to see more young people from CALD backgrounds entering the sport industry; FE’s goal is Football (soccer) specific. We have various programs designated to elite Football Training for young people aspiring to become professional Footballers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sport has the capacity to transform the lives of individuals. It reinforces physical,
psychological, emotional, and social well-being and development. At the same time sport
plays a significant role in cultural and community engagement globally. These factors alone
justify the investment one can have in a sporting program. But there is also a growing
understanding that sport programs merit support because they are powerful vehicles for
achieving broader goals, particularly in advancing development and peace agendas.
Experts around the world have concluded that physical education is a critical component of
a child’s overall education. It can improve body awareness and help a child develop healthy
habits at an early age. There is also evidence that participation in physical education
improves concentration and performance in academic courses. Furthermore, such classes
provide an opportunity to address broader health and safety issues and ensure that all
children, including those with disabilities, have an opportunity to participate in sport.
Established in 2016, Football Empowerment is a not-for-profit organisation based in the
Western Suburbs of Melbourne which aims to address social issues facing young people
from disadvantaged communities through soccer.
PURPOSE
Football Empowerment aims to address social issues faced by young people, particularly...those from CALD communities. Football is our central platform and aim to empower young
people through community-based football activities. By keeping young people engaged and
providing a platform to educate, support and equip young people from CALD backgrounds
to reach their full potential.
Our programs are designed to bring out the best in the individual, instilling a strong sense of
self by encouraging and nurturing creative expression on and off the field. Run by
passionate, dedicated FFV certified coaches, our clinics cater for youth of all abilities and
genders, and we provide them a platform to learn and improve their soccer skills, make new
friends, and get lots of exercise in a safe environment.
VISION
Participants are active, healthy and empowered to contribute positively to society.
MISSION
Educating and Improving the health and wellbeing of young people through Football
(soccer) in partnership with people and the communities they live in.