This is
home ground.
A community-led organisation using sport and community services as a practical gateway to wellbeing, belonging, confidence and opportunity.
Where we work
Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy — with a focus on children, young people and families living in and around Yarra's public housing communities.
Who we work with
Children, young people and families from culturally diverse, refugee and financially disadvantaged backgrounds — plus the coaches, volunteers, schools and partners who show up alongside them.
Why sport
Cost, transport, social isolation and limited access to safe, structured activities keep many young people in Yarra out of sport and community life. A ball and a court are the easiest doors to open — and everything else walks in behind them: confidence, routine, friendships, mentors, leadership.
The vision
One day, every young person will have access to sport and community services that improve and elevate their life. Our long-term goal is a sustainable system where young people enter through sport and grow into the next generation of local leaders.
After school, close to home — the YES programs
How it grew
Twenty years, one neighbourhood at a time.
The people
Run by people
who show up.
Chris McGeachan (Geeks)
President
Chris is a former police officer who believes in early intervention over punishment. He works to create positive role models, safe programs and stronger pathways for young people before challenges escalate.
Peter Firth
Vice President
Peter is Vice President of Home Ground Hub and Facilitator of the Yarra Futsal Network. As founder of Futsal 4 Life, he promotes accessible social futsal that strengthens physical wellbeing, connection and belonging.
Phu Nguyen
Executive Board Member · President, Yarra Futsal Ballers
Phu progressed from a participant in Yarra's public housing programs to President of Yarra Futsal Ballers and an Executive Board Member of Home Ground Hub. He now helps create sport and leadership opportunities for the next generation.
Abdulmalik Abdurahman
Executive Board Member · President, Fitzroy Lions
Abdulmalik is a respected Yarra mentor and founder of Fitzroy Lions, created to make community soccer accessible for young people unable to afford club fees.
John Sugunananthan
Fitzroy Lions Technical Director
John arrived in Australia aged 10 after escaping the Sri Lankan Civil War. Shaped by the challenges of settlement and the tragic loss of his mother, he found purpose and resilience through football. He now uses the game to unite migrant and refugee communities, build confidence and help others become their best selves.
Femi Ogunoye
Program Coordinator
Femi grew up in the countryside, where limited facilities and transport made accessing organised sport difficult. That experience shaped his belief that every young person deserves the chance to participate. He now helps coordinate Home Ground Hub's programs across the community.
Niamh Kearney
Media Director
Niamh is a Law and Commerce graduate whose passion for community impact grew through delivering free soccer opportunities for girls. As a Board Member and Media Director, she uses storytelling, strategy and entrepreneurship to strengthen the organisation's voice and promote gender equity.
Tarik Bayrakli
Camp Coordinator
A management professional with expertise in sports development, social cohesion, gender equity and facilitation, Tarik brings people together across government, community and sporting organisations — using sport to break down barriers and strengthen inclusion.
Laetitia Spear
Secretary
Laetitia is an undergraduate student studying Commerce and Law. As Secretary, she supports the organisation's strategic direction by managing governance, financial management and day-to-day coordination.
Achol Manyiel
Community Leader
Growing up in Fitzroy, Achol saw the value of Cubbies firsthand and now works to create the same opportunities for the next generation.
Steve Earl
Honorary Board Member
Steve has supported young people living in Yarra's public housing communities for more than 20 years through local organisations, foundations and his business.
Help keep it going.
Programs like these happen because people decide they're worth backing.