Centre for Multicultural Youth

On 29th of August 2024, over 100 delegates attended the annual CMSport Forum in partnership with VicHealth and supported by the Victorian Government and Office for Youth.

At the stunning Wheeler Centre, we brought together community leaders, coaches, organisers, athletes, and advocates to champion inclusion and equity in sport through strong clubs and strong coaches.

The event was seamlessly run by our amazing MC, Mariam Koslay and host, Junior Melo (CMSport Manager). The day featured an inspiring keynote speech, insightful panel discussions, and hands-on workshops – all aimed at fostering supportive environments where multicultural people and their communities can thrive.

Keynote Highlights

Akec Makur Chuot delivered an empowering keynote, recounting her journey from playing soccer in Kakuma to becoming an AFLW player. She spoke of resilience and the importance of community support, reminding attendees, “We’ve all been told no at some point in our life, it’s what you do with that no.” Akec emphasised the need to advocate for inclusivity within clubs and to prioritise the community’s needs while staying true to one’s values.

“As I look back on the last two decades of my career, I’m reminded of the many challenges I have overcome and the immense impact of sport and inclusion that I have also received over the year. From my humble beginnings in primary school in Kakuma, to being at the first organized junior soccer club, to going on to play in the AFLW, to also be a sport liason officer, every milestone has been a testament to the support and encouragement from my community.”
– Akec Makur Chuot

Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers

The panel, moderated by Mariam and featuring Akec, Antonia Nimorakiotakis from Melbourne City Football Club and Sam Pang from FC Bulleen Lions, explored the challenges multicultural people face in community sport. Akec discussed the importance of understanding one’s role in breaking down barriers, while Antonia emphasised the year-round dedication required in community sport, stating, “Community doesn’t sleep – it’s all year around.” Sam addressed the need for more resources, elite coaches, and facilities to meet the growing demand, particularly on the girls and womens’ side of sports.

“Taking breaks and looking after your own mental health make a healthy team and club”
– Sam Pang

Workshops: Practical Strategies for Inclusion

Following the panel discussions, attendees participated in workshops that provided actionable strategies for fostering inclusive sports environments:

Strong Clubs: Dr. Carla Luguetti’s Workshop: Sport for Social Impact

This workshop delved into the transformative power of culturally safe pedagogies in community sports. Through interactive activities, participants identified forms of discrimination in sports and learned strategies to foster inclusive coaching practices that respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of young people.

Strong Coaches: Amal Hassan-Ali’s Workshop: Building Bridges

This session focused on enhancing multicultural participation in sports by addressing cultural norms and social inclusion. Participants explored practical strategies to make sports clubs more accessible and welcoming to diverse cultural groups, ensuring that all members feel valued and empowered.

Acknowledgments

CMSport extends heartfelt thanks to our speakers, workshop facilitators, and partners for their invaluable contributions to the forum. Special appreciation goes to VicHealth, Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), the Victorian Government and Office for Youth for their unwavering support. Together, we are advancing the mission to create equitable and inclusive opportunities in sport for all.