Football West’s capacity to deliver its inclusive programs has been strengthened with the appointment of two new staff members.
Melissa Gmeiner and Mahliet Gebrekiristos will drive the programs, starting with this Thursday’s Africa Down Under Cup at Langley Park.
Melissa, who hails from a farming background in Wagin, is Football West’s new Program Lead – Community, having joined the governing body from Hockey WA.
“I’m responsible for the management of all our community programs and stakeholder engagement of key groups,” she said.
“This includes all our inclusive programs – the all-abilities stuff such as Equal Footingball, CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse), Walking Football …”
Melissa says her background in hockey will be an asset, now she is in football.
She said: “I was at Hockey WA and Hockey Australia for three years. At Hockey WA, I created Inclusive Hockey. I also developed the Pilbara Community Program for Hockey Australia.
“Hockey and football are similar sports in terms of doing the job.
“It is about making sure we are providing accessible football and building our relationships with our community groups and stakeholders.
“It is very exciting to come to football. It’s the world game and offers many opportunities for growth in WA – we are in a very good position.”
Working with Melissa is Curtin University economics student Mahliet, who brings a strong community background to her role.
“I’ll be working on Street Football mainly, as well as Africa Down Under and with Common Goal,” she said.
“The whole concept with Street Football is to get young people who are hanging around shopping centres to engage and do something positive.
“A by-product is that many of the youngsters get to build relationships with police. It’s human to human contacts, which breaks down barriers. It is also a positive for the police officers.”
Football West has three Street Football programs confirmed, at Carousel, Belmont and Galleria, with six others in the pipeline.
Mahliet, who used to play football for her school, Mercy College in Koondoola, also works closely with the Tigray community in WA.
“I really enjoy working with different community groups and youth,” she said. “I’m on the Tigray Youth Committee. Every two weeks I attend meetings on how to uplift youth and how to put events on.
“Here, Tigray is a small community – small but mighty!”
Football West General Manager – Participation, Community and Clubs Ryan Lenegan welcomed the new additions.
“The inclusive area is hugely important for Football West as we make football accessible for all,” he said.
“Melissa and Mahliet are strong additions to the team and it is fantastic that they are on board. I worked with Melissa at Hockey WA and she brings a terrific energy and experience.
“Mahliet has already done a lot of work in the community groups. We are looking forward to growing the Street Football program.”
- The annual Africa Down Under Cup returns this Thursday at Langley Park for its 10th edition.
The Africa Down Under Cup ties in with the Africa Down Under mining conference, which is aimed at raising awareness of Australia’s interests in African mining and energy.
The Africa Down Under Cup is run jointly between Football West and Pay Dirt Media.
Teams representing Perth’s African communities participate in men's and women's five-a side competitions.
Filed Under: Community News