Stories
Phu Nguyen · Yarra Futsal Ballers
Phu first came through as a participant in Yarra's public housing programs.
He kept showing up. These days he's President of Yarra Futsal Ballers and sits on the Home Ground Hub board — building the same opportunities he grew up with, for the next generation.
In 2024 the City of Yarra named him Young Citizen of the Year, for making sport accessible to young people across Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond.
John · Fitzroy Lions
John arrived in Australia aged 10, after escaping the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Football gave him purpose through the hardest years of settlement. Now he's Technical Director at Fitzroy Lions, using the game to unite migrant and refugee communities and help others become their best selves.
Abdulmalik · Fitzroy Lions
Abdulmalik was a young man who desperately wanted to play sport and connect with his local community.
So he founded a club. Fitzroy Lions exists so young people who can't afford club fees still get to play — and it grew from a social kickabout into a real club with real pathways.
Achol · Community programs
Achol grew up in Fitzroy and saw the value of Cubbies firsthand.
Now she works as a community leader, creating the same opportunities for the next generation of local kids.
More stories on the way.
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