VAFA supports South Sudanese Community Football Day

On Sunday the VAFA was able to support ‘Next Gen United’ and the delivery of the ‘South Sudanese Community Football Day’ held at Trevor Barker Oval, an event designed to highlight the pressing mental health needs of the South Sudanese Community, while using football as the vehicle to start conversations while uniting disparate sections of the South Sudanese Community.

The day was supported by well-known Community Members and football figures Tom Jok (St Kevin’s FC), CJ Jiath (Hawthorn FC), Mac Andrews (Gold Coast FC), Majak Daw (Former North Melbourne and Melbourne player) and Akec Makur Chuot (Hawthorn FC – AFLW).

The day showcased football talent from the ‘Westside Warriors’ and the ‘Eastside Eagles’, representing sections of the South Sudanese Community within Melbourne. Both teams had representatives in an U18, Open Women’s and Open Men’s game with significant football talent on display in all 3 games.

When discussing the day, Mamuch Chuol – Next Gen United mentor said “(today is) more than just a game, this event embodies deeper community aspirations. It serves as a platform to demonstrate the vibrant integration of the South Sudanese community into Melbourne and highlight the positive contributions and achievements of South Sudanese individuals within Australian society”.

The VAFA was able to support the event by providing field umpires and footballs for the day and the VAFA would like to thank field umpires Aidan Fryer, Sam Scott, Jeremy Chait, Anthony Simpson, Mick Hegan and Brendan Corcoran for their contribution to the day.