Dozens of AMES students competed in half-time football games at Etihad Stadium last Sunday as part of the AFL’s Multicultural Round.

The students played special 9-a-side games, designed to introduce new arrivals to Australia to footy. The games took place at half-time during the Western Bulldogs-Essendon match on Sunday.

AMES student Jason Lutchmun said playing at the stadium was a great experience. “It was great fun to play in front of such a big crowd,” he said.

Jason, 18, from Mauritius has been in Australia just two months and has started following AFL.

“I love all sport and AFL is interesting because it is very fast and athletic,” Jason said.

The event followed on from the success of the Western Bulldogs’ annual CALDplay Football Carnival last month at the Whitten Oval in Footscray.

The half-time games were the culmination of a six-week introductory football program in which the participants were taught football skills and met people from other emerging communities.

AMES teacher Matthew Rodger said the students all enjoyed playing on the Etihad arena.

“They were all looking forward to this event and have been training hard. The event was brilliant and everyone enjoyed it,” he said.

For more information on this story, contact Margot Hennessy on: (03) 8558 8800.