globall program 2010 is off and running

GloBALL, the program that introduces international students into the culture of AFL footy and this year cricket thanks to Cricket Victoria, was launched last week.

International students and new migrants can score free tickets to the footy and cricket, as well as taking part in activities such as:

• Visiting the National Sports Museum at the MCG
• Making a banner with the Essendon cheer squad
• Joining a Super Clinic (practising with Essendon footy players)
• Doing the “Long Walk” for Indigenous Australians

Students can sign up on the GLoBALL Program at www.globall.com.au

Yuriko Taniguchi, who took part in GloBALL last year, said she found it very interesting, as she hadn’t known anything about footy.

"Sitting with the Essendon cheer squad helped me understand why people are passionate about football.

"I really liked the engagement, getting to know the Australian lifestyle. It also helped me get to know people from different parts of the world."

Sumet Kanchanahaluerthai also took part in last year’s GloBALL and said he enjoyed the footy clinic, learning to handball and kick.

The scheme also helped him understand what people gathering before games in the city each week were doing.

"My favourite was sitting with the cheer squad when a goal was scored - people stood up and I was partying with them. Go Bombers!"

Minister for the Respect Agenda, the Honourable Justin Madden joined Essendon captain Jobe Watson and Australian cricketer Peter Siddle officially launched the GloBall program.