Lurnea High School is a comprehensive, co-educational secondary school located in the city of Liverpool. The school serves a diverse community of learners with 72% of students having a language background other than English (LBOTE). There are approximately 600 students enrolled, inclusive of the dynamic Intensive English Centre (IEC) catering for the English language learning needs of newly arrived migrant and refugee students.
The staff of Lurnea High School noticed that playing sports had a huge impact in engendering a sense of belonging amongst newly arrived students, but the boys would often takeover the spaces and equipment, self-organising games in the gaps between class. Teachers wanted an opportunity for the girls to play in a safe, active, female-led environment that would achieve school engagement outcomes within the Intensive English Centre.
With football being a commonality that all the students could understand and participate in, despite the language spoken, Football United programs provided female students at Lurnea IEC Unit the opportunity to connect with their peers, thrive and grow playing a game that they love.
Football United programs generally target underserved groups in a school and community setting, and Lurnea’s newly arrived refugee & migrant girls joined weekly football sessions to achieve outcomes in personal development, inclusion and belonging, brought to life through a high quality and tailored football program.
Delivered by qualified football coaches and facilitators representative of the communities and cohorts we work with, these football programs have demonstrated positive impact for more than 15 years through collaborations with FIFA, Women Win, Football Australia and the Australian Government.
The weekly activities are values-based aimed at increasing resilience, self-confidence and providing a sense of belonging for young people. Topics include: Values, Self-awareness, Goal-setting, Resilience, Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Celebration/Self-reflection.
With Football United being heavily female focused, with 65% participation being females, and 60% from a Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Background (CALD) the opportunity for students from different schools to represent their school in a cross-school football Gala Day was one to savour. Aligned with the Australian government’s Harmony Day initiatives, we celebrate the diversity of Australia through a fair-play tournament, art installations and food.
The Football United program was led by Head Facilitator Shegofa, a former student of Lurnea IEC and now Creating Chances Head Facilitator.
Lurnea High School student Asma, was a Football United participant. Her teachers noticed that she was lacking connection with her peers which inhibited her willingness to engage with others inside and outside of class.
“I wasn’t allowed to play football in Afghanistan, Football United lets me play with my friends in school. I have learned how to play football, how to work well with my team and communicate with the team. Now I feel better than when I came here because I’m friends with people from diverse cultures.”
The program allowed Asma to develop her sense of self belief and a feeling of belonging within her school community, whilst learning how to play a sport she really enjoyed. She hopes to continue on the Creating Chances Youth Development Pathway by becoming a School-based Trainee.
The Football United successfully enhanced student connections and promoted a positive school environment, fulfilling the school’s vision for deeper engagement and respect among students.
Contact us to get a Football United program at your school.
At Creating Chances, we connect ideas, inspire growth, and empower young people to build confidence, resilience, and optimism for a brighter future.
