African All Stars Cup
On this page
Overview
For the past five years Victoria Police has been getting together with a combined Horn of Africa team to compete in friendly soccer matches.
What are the aims of the project?
The project aims to improve relations between police and the new arrivals. The games also provide an opportunity for the African community to participate in physical activity and create community collaboration in sport.
What was involved?
In the past five years there have been various organisations involved in planning and funding the event, including Maribyrnong City Council, Victorian Multicultural Commission, City West Water, Melbourne Fire Brigade, New Hope Foundation, Rotary Club of Footscray and various African service provider agencies. Participants are identified and contacted by African community and youth leaders.
These successful events are usually held towards the end of each year at completion of soccer seasons to enable regular players to compete in their finals with their respective clubs.
The events also are an opportunity to provide African entertainment such as dancers before, during and after the games. At the completion of the game a perpetual trophy is awarded to the winning team.
Who participated?
Each year around 400 people attend the events throughout the day.
What were the outcomes?
Working together in a friendly atmosphere in a sporting environment creates positive outcomes for all involved. The project has been highly successful and productive and will continue each year.
It is also an opportunity for emergency service staff such as police and fire brigades to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to consider a career within their agencies.
Police are at the same time finding some great new soccer talent among Melbourne's African communities. The African All Stars have beaten the police in all except one game!
Where can I get more information?
Further information on this project is available.
Leading Senior Constable Craig Spicer
Victoria Police
Email: craig.spicer@police.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 9689 4630
Images from the day are available.
See: Footscray United Vardar Soccer Club > African Cup charity match