Newly arrived migrants have been getting a kick out of their time in the west thanks to the Western Bulldogs.
The 10th annual CALDplay Football Gala was held as part of recent Cultural Diversity Week celebrations, bringing together more than 150 participants from Adult Migrant English Programs and community centres across the west for football games and activities.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation event uses sport to encourage interaction between newly arrived migrants, develop English language skills and improve understanding of Australian sports culture.
The foundation also brings people into the fold via its new ADAPTERs program, helping reduce the gaps between service providers and the community.
Program leader Quang Huynh said he loved working with kids and students from multicultural backgrounds.
“I was a refugee as well – I know what it’s like having English as a second language,” he said.
“It’s great seeing the kids who are a bit shy when they first come here pick up words and really come out of themselves.”
