Energising young minds: multi-sport program for junior Docklanders

“Huddle Up! Junior”, a multi-sport program designed for young people aged between 5 and 12 in the City of Melbourne, offers a range of engaging activities at The Hub @ Docklands.

Led by The Huddle, the community arm of the North Melbourne Football Club, in collaboration with other external sporting organisations, this program offers one-hour sessions over four weeks, focusing on teaching fundamental sports skills, enhancing physical activity, promoting social connections, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

One of the program’s key objectives is to provide opportunities for young people to engage in safe and social activities after school.

By offering a structured and supportive environment, Huddle Up! Junior provides participants with the chance to actively participate, learn new skills, and interact with their friends, fostering a positive after-school experience.

This program attempts to remove barriers that can sometimes appear for young people trying to participate in sport.

Beyond skill development, the program is a catalyst for building connections and forging relationships among young people of all ages. Inside and outside the program, lasting social interactions are formed.

Many participants continue their engagement with The Huddle through their other programs, including the exciting Multi-Sport Super Clinics during Huddle Holidays.

Since launching in Docklands at the beginning of 2023, the program has had 45 registrations and 113 attendances, with an average of 10 young people per session. These young people also represent 12 different cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages cross-cultural connections, understanding, and acceptance.

This year, one of the standout factors has been the program’s collaboration with North Melbourne Football Club players, who have joined sessions throughout the year. Participants and their families also received free tickets and took part in the Guard of Honour, lining up on the field to welcome the North Melbourne players. For some, it was their very first AFL match.

Huddle Up! Junior Docklands runs every Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm at The Hub @ Docklands. To register click here. •