Melbourne Victory was proud to partner with Victoria Police during the recent school holidays, staging a 7-a-side tournament between participants in the Club’s Holiday Program and teams representing the Victoria Police Soccer Club.
President of the Victoria Police Soccer Club, Acting Superintendent Darren Cooper, said Victoria Police was proud to take part in the tournament.
“From a Victoria Police perspective, participating in these matches helps us break down some of the barriers between police and young people,” Supt. Cooper said.
“It’s an opportunity to create positive relationships and, importantly, a very rewarding process for all the police involved.”
Staged at Alan Bain Reserve in Richmond, a short distance from Melbourne Victory’s AAMI Park training base, the tournament was just one part of a larger five day program delivered with the support of the Department of Education and Training.
Victoria Police were joined by Melbourne Victory A-League and W-League players and staff, KFC, Metricon, Barry Plant and Life Saving Victoria to engage the secondary school-aged participants with activities and presentations designed to promote teamwork and leadership, employability, communication and an active lifestyle.
“What impresses me most is that the program uses football to engage young people, providing employment pathways through Club and Victoria Police partners.
“Having fun while looking forward to a bright future is the best of both worlds.”
While it is taking part that matters most, it was the participants in the Melbourne Victory Holiday Program who secured bragging rights on the day, defeating one of the Victoria Police Soccer Club teams in the final.
“It was great to have the community there cheering both teams on, and we look forward to participating in more games like this in the future.”
