MIRRABOOKA-based Edmund Rice Centre’s Common Goal soccer academy has received a $30,000 grant to continue addressing the needs of multicultural youth.
Common Goal is open to all young people, male and female (between eight and 18 years old), with the aim to provide opportunities to young people who may be disengaged or lack opportunities in a sport and leadership environment.
The academy was formed by the centre, Football West, WA Police, Mirrabooka and Canning mosques, and cities of Stirling and Canning in 2016.
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READ NOWSport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray presented the grant last week as part of the State Government’s youth engagement scheme, which provides grants to programs for at-risk people.
Mr Murray said the program was about having a common interest and being part of the community.
“I think it is a very good program for people to interact with each other and also learning sport at the same time,” he said.
“In sport, we don’t have to be champions at everything we do… we just need to try our best and do the best we possibly can.”
Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman said the grant would allow the continuation of the program and fund resources.
“It gives stability and safety so the parents can trust that they are sending their kids to a good program,” she said.
“They just don’t do sport, they talk to kids about what it is like to work together in team sport.”
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