World Footy News

There have been numerous multi-cultural Australian football programs developed in Australia over the last few years, seeking to introduce recent immigrants to the indigenous sport, both as fans and players. We've reported on many of those, most of which have been based in Victoria. That's excellent for community involvement and the health of the game in Victoria, but has the same level of attention or funding been present across the rest of the country?

worldfootynews.com suspects there will be a major increase in AFL support for such programs in western Sydney to help pave the way for community support of the likely 18th AFL licence. But it is important that all Australian states embrace this concept, so it's pleasing to be able to report some basic programs also being introduced in South Australia, such as a Multicultural themed round.

The SANFL is South Australia's state league and one of the game's more prolific breeding grounds for future AFL talent, along with the Victorian and Western Australian leagues. The upcoming round of matches (Saturday, August 1st) are being dubbed the SANFL 'be active' Multicultural Round. The following is further information from the SANFL.

This week, the SANFL will be staging its inaugural ‘be active’ Multicultural Round (Saturday, August 1) – a first for a state football league in Australia.

Multicultural Round is about celebrating the diversity among players, volunteers and supporters of South Australian football.

It is also an opportunity for the SANFL to welcome South Australia’s multicultural communities, including recently-arrived migrants, to be involved in Aussie Rules.

You'll notice some differences at your local footy match this week. First, there will be a wide range of spectacular multicultural performers at each ground - from the spectacular Burundian drummers to the entertaining Polish folk dancers to the 40-piece African Peace Choir.

There will also be some new faces in the crowd - be sure to say g'day to the many spectators invited by the SANFL to witness their first game of Aussie Rules.

Lending an international feel to the matchday will be PA announcements in six different languages and the switching of traditional footy fare at some grounds to reflect a more multicultural menu.

2:00 PM Sat 1st Aug - Alberton Oval - Port Adelaide Magpies vs Central District

2:00 PM Sat 1st Aug - City Mazda Stadium - West Adelaide vs South Adelaide

2:00 PM Sat 1st Aug - Gliderol Stadium - Glenelg vs Norwood

2:00 PM Sat 1st Aug - Prospect Oval - North Adelaide vs Sturt

BYE Eagles