VAFA supports Next Gen Unite Cup 2024

The VAFA again supported the Next Gen Unite Cup, which this year was held on Sunday 19th October at Waverley Park.

Three games of football were played at the second annual event, with Under 18’s, Women’s and Men’s matches. The NGU cup is 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 showcased football talent from the ‘Westside Warriors’ and the ‘Eastside Eagles’, representing sections of the South Sudanese Community within Melbourne. Across the day more than 15 VFL listed players from the South Sudanese community took part, highlighting the high levels of talented AFL footballers within the South Sudanese community.

NextGen Unite is a dynamic, youth-led non-profit organization passionately dedicated to empowering South Sudanese Australians. NGU’s mission is to create transformative opportunities for our community through a comprehensive range of initiatives that include education, mentorship, sports and cultural activities.

Currently 12 players of South Sudanese descent are on AFL lists with Mac Andrew (Gold Coast Suns), Mabior Chol (Hawthorn) and Changkuoth Jiath (CJ) (Hawthorn) all ambassadors of the Next Gen Unite Program in attendance at the event.

As part of the annual NGU Cup the VAFA supplied Umpires and footballs for the day with VAFA Umpires Andrew Marriot, Tony Psinas, Aidan Fryer, Sam Scott, Angus Bunker-Smith and Daniel Sinnema supporting the event. 

For more information about Next Gen Unite, please visit ngu.org.au