The CALDplay Gala day brings together 350 plus people of all ages from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds to compete in sporting competitions.
On Wednesday, November 22, The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) hosted the event in conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria and the MCC Foundation.
The competitions held across two locations in Footscray saw 200 primary, secondary and school staff from across the inner-west region of Melbourne at Henry Turner reserve, while 150 adults met at VU Sports Hall at Whitten Oval.
The WBCF partnered with Western United Football Club which coached and officiated a series of round-robin tournaments.
“I am very excited to be here to play football, I used to play a lot before I came to Australia, so it reminds me of home,” said Aisha, a participant in the junior tournament.
A WBCF spokesperson said the competition was fierce but fair across all levels throughout the day, especially in the inaugural walking-soccer tournament, allowing for the participation of people of all skill and fitness levels.
WBCF diversity and engagement coordinator Quang Huynh said each school term, the CALDplay program teaches a different sport to recently arrived Australians.
“Sport is perfect for bridging gaps between language, culture and sporting codes,” Mr Huynh said.
“Building a life in a foreign culture is tough and potentially, isolating. By teaching new community members different sports, we equip them with a means of building connections in their local area.”
The senior tournament grand final ended with a nail-biting penalty shootout, with VU Nicholson crowned champions.
