In 2006 MELBOURNEfc has extended it’s commitment to helping Berry Street with the terrific work they do in the community.

In July, Daniel Ward, Jared Rivers, Ryan Ferguson and Colin Sylvia joined with netballers Sharelle McMahon (Melbourne Phoenix) and Bianca Franklin (Melbourne Kestrels) to work with a group of disadvantaged kids in the Dandenong/Glen Iris area to deliver a 5 week ‘Get Up And Go’ Program.

The Get up and Go program provided the Melbourne Football Club with a unique opportunity to work in a ‘hands on’ role with a group of children and young people in Berry Street Victoria’s care.

Daniel Ward said, “It was great to see how quickly the kids engaged in the Program. It was about more than just kicking a footy around; it gave the kids some tips for healthy eating and the importance of getting away from the television and doing some physical activity”.

The Program was a tremendous success with 13 young people receiving Certificates of Completion. Several young people spoke at the Graduation Ceremony about how great the Program was. One young boy said, “I wish we could have this Program every week! Now all I want to do is be outside playing with a footy or netball rather than just sitting around, which is really boring”.

MELBOURNEfc will continue to work with Berry Street Victoria’s programs throughout the year.