Canning Mayor Paul Ng and Adnan Igdeli at front with (from left) Joe Moniodis, Sergeant Matt Sharpe, Suleyman Terzi, Gordon Duus,  Enes Gargili, Sheldon Phillips and Burhan Igdeli.
Camera IconCanning Mayor Paul Ng and Adnan Igdeli at front with (from left) Joe Moniodis, Sergeant Matt Sharpe, Suleyman Terzi, Gordon Duus, Enes Gargili, Sheldon Phillips and Burhan Igdeli. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Cannington: soccer being used to foster positive relationships between local youth and police

Emma GearyCanning Gazette

The Common Goal Soccer Academy launched earlier this month and provides opportunities for young people, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, to play soccer, linking them with community leaders such as members of the WA Police.

The program, launched at the request of the WA Police Muslim Community Advisory Group, aims to build links between local police and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Canning Mayor Paul Ng said the City had provided office space at Cannington Leisureplex and youth workers to help with training sessions.

“Canning has one of the most diverse local communities in Perth and it is one of the reasons we were selected for this program,” Mr Ng said.

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“Current census data shows the City of Canning has 33 per cent of its population from a non-English speaking background, more than double the average of the metropolitan area.

“Programs like this are a great example of what makes an inclusive and exciting community. It embraces our differences, celebrates diversity and welcomes people from all backgrounds.”

Common Goal is part of the City’s Welcoming Cities program and managed by Edmund Rice Centre WA in partnership with Football West, WA Police and the Mirrabooka Mosque.

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