G-force wows footy first-timers

By Sarah Schwager
SIX Hampton Park Primary School students discovered a new passion for AFL after being given free tickets to a match recently.
The students, along with a parent and teacher, attended the Western Bulldogs versus Collingwood game as part of an initiative by the AFL’s multicultural officer.
Hampton Park Primary School well-being coordinator Matthew Williams said three Sudanese boys and their father, as well as three boys who would not normally get a chance to go to the football, went on an outing to the Friday night game at the MCG on 26 May.
About 2700 children across the state received free tickets to the game along with a bag full of goodies and a free football.
“They loved it. They absolutely loved it,” Mr Williams said.
“The father said it was one of the best outings he had had since he had been in the country. It was a fantastic night.”
Mr Williams said the night gave kids who couldn’t afford to go to the football or who were new to the country a chance to experience an AFL match live.
Foundation House’s Jackie Hoggart suggested the event to the school and Mr Williams said it had been a great opportunity for the children to bond and meet other kids in similar circumstances.