Adelaide’s multicultural community program is successfully introducing people from diverse backgrounds to the sport of Australian Rules.

Led by AFLW co-captain Chelsea Randall and the Club’s Multicultural Liaison Officer Cecile Saidi, the program is encouraging new people to take up the sport and helping them to make new connections and friends.

Six girls that up until recently had never heard of AFL are now regularly playing club football after being introduced to the game by the Crows community team.

The group, who are all relatively new to Australia, have been part of a six-week ‘Legends Program’ with six others from Thebarton Senior College where they have been taught the skills and the rules of the game.

Last Friday, the students visited the Club where they were given a tour of the facilities and took part in a clinic.

Importantly, the girls say that becoming involved in the game has helped them adjust to life in Australia.

Program participant Halima, who came to Australia from Afghanistan in 2015, is now playing for Adelaide Lutheran Women’s Football team.

“I learnt lots of skills at the Adelaide Football Club. It’s very new for me because I come from a different background and it is very nice, I enjoyed it very much,” Halima said.

“It was the first time [I’d played football], I didn’t know how to play.

“It’s a good opportunity for me, they come and show us how to play and the skills. I learn now and I can play.”

Saidi, who was born in in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spent eight years in a refugee camp, was not only involved in running the program – she also got to join in.

“Sport is a great vehicle to bring people together and footy, being at the core of Australian culture, it’s very important that new arrivals and multicultural communities get themselves involved,” Cecile said.

“We did a little game with the girls, and it was my first time as well playing footy. Tackling and all, it was really fun.

“The program evolved into something great, and of the 12 girls, six have joined a footy club, so it’s an achievement.”

You can see more about the Club’s multicultural community program, and Cecile’s journey to the Adelaide Football Club, on The Crows Show, airing at 11.30am Sunday morning on Channel 7.