Students from the western Sydney Al Noori Muslim School meet for their Aussie Rules training on Thursday nights.
The school is part of the AFL Multicultural Program, which encourages students to include Aussie Rules in their weekly sports routines.
The program gives students the opportunity to reach new goals and even excel into the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy from there.
AFL manager for Bansktown, Sam Zikman, is proud of how far the program has come.
“It’s a national pathway for these kids”, he said.
“We’ve been there consistently now for a few years doing programs each term along with inviting them along to numerous competitions.”
While rugby and soccer continue to eclipse Aussie Rules for popularity within western Sydney schools, the sport is certainly attracting attention, Zikman said.
The AFL program giving students from the school a chance to learn the skills of the sport (SBS) Source: SBS
After playing Rugby League for nine seasons, Al Noori student Jamal Fettayleh decided to switch to Aussie Rules.
“It’s such a great game and I feel it celebrates multiculturalism really well,” Jamal said.
Even though his family didn’t see the change coming, he said they were very supportive.
Their progression is helped by the existence of the Bankstown Bull Sharks club, which was created one year ago.
Encouraged by the great response, the Bull Sharks have also successfully put together a girls team for upcoming season.
Zikman said this step wouldn’t have been possible without the strong relationship with Al Noori.
“The reason why we have a boys' team and a girls' team in Bankstown playing for the Bull Sharks is the support that we’ve got from the school,” he said.
Most parents were surprised but happy to see their children get engaged with the sport.
Female player Aqilah Ali is part of the program along with her friends Nour Nazha, Aneeqa Ali and Laura Osman.
Girls getting the opportunity to play through the AFL program (SBS) Source: SBS
Eager to share their excitement for the sport, the girls are hoping to encourage other students to play.
“When we play on the weekends, a lot of the parents they tell us that we are very good and that we should continue playing,” she said.
“It’s fun with other people because you get to meet new people but, to know someone there is good as well.”
Having a good time with friends was also the goal for April Jamal and his mates Jacob Moussa and Imran Yaghi.
The trio went to Townsville with their team to attend the AFL Diversity Championship which was part of the code's multicultural program.
Even though their NSW team didn’t win a game at the competition, Jamal said the overall experience was fantastic.
“Being with such a great, elite, multicultural group was just amazing.” he said.
“Ever since Townsville there has been that longing to get back to the game.”
Aqilah, Laura and Aneeqi will get the chance to play at the first Diversity Championship for girls in Melbourne in two months.
As they haven’t been able to talk to the boys about their experiences in Townsville, they are looking forward to making their own memories.
“That’s going to be a really fun experience for all of us”. Nour said.
With the new starting next year, both girls and boys can now dream of a professional career in their favourite sport.
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