Multicultural youth futsal tournament in Bendigo

Bendigo Community Health Services will host the third annual Multicultural Youth Futsal Tournament in Bendigo on Saturday, September 17.

Futsal is a modified version of traditional soccer and embraced around the world.

The popularity of the sport with Karen and Afghan communities in Bendigo motivated BCHS to start an annual Multicultural Youth Futsal Tournament in 2014.

BCHS Settlement Services manager Martine Street said the tournament had become known for great participation and fierce competition.

“Traditionally, 10 teams compete and approximately 100 participants. Lots of women and children come and cheer on competitors,” Martine said.

Martine said BCHS was delighted to welcome a new sponsor for the tournament this year.

“We are delighted Western District Employment Access (are-able) is supporting the tournament, providing information on their services and generally joining in,” she said.

Martine said organising events such as the Futsal tournament was an important part of the Settlement Services work at BCHS.

“Participation in organised activities, social connection and physical activity are priority areas for the work done by our staff – it’s great to see that effort rewarded with events such as this and our annual Multicultural Soccer Tournament.”

are-able business development officer Ivan Crisp said the organisation had a strong belief in supporting the local community.

“The Bendigo Multicultural Youth Futsal Tournament provided a great opportunity for us to back an event that brings people together in a fun and inspiring way,” he said.

“Many of the people participating have come from some very difficult backgrounds and by supporting the tournament it is our hope that we can bring some happiness and fun to everyone involved.

“Everyone should come along and pick a team to support … you never know how much fun you can have and the friends you could make.

“I look forward to the day and being a part of such a special event is inspiring and humbling.”

The Multicultural Youth Futsal Tournament will run from 10am to 3.30pm at the Flora Hill Indoor Sports Stadium in Ellis Street with spectators welcome.

The tournament is supported by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship under the Refugee Action Program.

To inquire about playing in the 2017 tournament call Nay Chee Aung or Zahir Azimi from the BCHS Settlement Services team on 5448 1600.

Material courtesy of Bendigo Community Health Services.