This weekend in the Peter Jackson VFL we will celebrate the many different cultures that form part of our competition through Multicultural Round
Football is a game we share, a game for everyone.
It’s a game that knows no political, cultural, language or religious boundaries.
It’s a game that unites people, communities and cultures from the most unlikely places. And, that’s another reason that broadens its appeal.
Plyaers like Ozgur Uysal, Omar Abdullah, Adam Saad, Kenny Ong, Khan Haretuku and Anthony Piva are among the kaleidoscope of cultures that come together each week in the Peter Jackson VFL.
Here’s a mix of Lebanese Muslims, a Turk as well as Italian and Samoan and Chinese and Malay and Kiwi all linked by a common bond – a love of Australian Rules.
It may not have been their traditional sporting heritage, but the game has magnetized not only them, but their families.
While Uysal, Abdullah and Saad are teammates at Coburg and Ong and Piva play for Sandringham and Werribee respectively, each has their own story about their introduction, commitment and passion for the game.
For Omar Abdullah, playing football provides him with an opportunity to be a role model for his family and Lebanese community.
Some were fascinated from an early age about the game that captivates the community, others overcome family ambivalence.
Not only are each of the five enjoying their football journey, but so too their extended families.
It’s not unusual for two or three car loads of Saad’s family to arrive at City Oval to watch him play.
Saad joked he brings his own family cheer squad with him to games each weekend.
Piva is stoked to be the first member of his family to play footy and what the importance of playing for Werribee means to him.
Over the next few days on the Peter Jackson VFL website we will feature their stories.
Last Modified on 10/07/2013 16:39