Malvern City FC work with Melbourne’s Greek Community to enhance language education

·

‘If Mohammad won’t go to the mountain, then the mountain must come to Mohammad’ is the best way to explain the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) latest initiative, according to Board member Dr Nick Dallas who oversees education matters.

“I’ve been involved in junior soccer at Greek clubs through my children for so many years, and it’s always astounded me how so few of the young players of Greek background go to Greek school. It’s not like there has to be a choice, one or the other, both can be pursued,” GCM President, Bill Papastergiadis, added.

Maria Bakalidou, the Principal of the Community’s Schools, highlighted that “one of our primary missions is to expand and facilitate access to Greek language learning to everyone in Victoria. I’m really excited about this novel and radical initiative.”

This is modern day reality, parents are sending their children to so many extra-curricular activities after school (dance, sport, music, tutorials) that both children and parents get overwhelmed, and as the demands of a particular activity get greater, eventually an activity is dropped.

Too often it’s language learning as it’s not being prioritised by parents. Sport often involves 2-3 weekday evenings of training and matches on the weekend. Throw in another activity and the week becomes quite hectic.

This is an issue that has been on the radar of the GCM for several years as it’s always looking at new initiatives to stem the attrition of Greek language enrolments. One might have a theoretical concept but how do you actualise it? How does one come up with an execution strategy that will both viable, sustainable and easy to execute?

The GCM believes it has found a solution and will be commencing a pilot program in the next few weeks. It has teamed up with Malvern City Football Club, a club with over 500 junior players, to test the waters.

Participation by the players is voluntary and the club has received sufficient encouraging feedback from parental questionnaires to proceed. The football club will flip its change rooms to classrooms and expose its junior players to 40-50 minutes of Greek language learning before or after training commences.

Malvern City FC technical director, Strati Xynas, said: “We’re really excited about this development and partnering with the GCM. My philosophy has always been about developing the whole player not just football skills.”

“It’s important for us to maintain our culture and roots, and this is an innovative partnership that makes so much sense on many levels. Families find it so hard to find time to fit everything in during the week,” Mr Xynas added.

“Community engagement is of paramount importance to us, and we do want to offer a point of differentiation to parents. It’s a great initiative and keeps Malvern FC at the forefront of football in Victoria,” Malvern President, James Ballas, concluded.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘The Aegean’ film in the mix for the 2025 AACTA Awards

The Australian independent film The Aegean is making waves in the 2025 AACTA Awards, securing nominations in major categories.

Labor’s Helen Politis elected Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek City Council

Labor's Helen Politis has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek, marking a significant step for the seasoned community advocate.

Mario Christodoulou to executive produce ABC’s Media Watch

Award-winning investigative reporter Mario Christodoulou will become executive producer on the ABC's Media Watch program.

Socialist PASOK becomes Greece’s main opposition party as SYRIZA collapses

Left-wing Syriza party has lost its position as Greece's main opposition group after a wave of defections on Thursday, November 21.

80-year-old sole resident of Kinaros island gifted donkey as a companion

The sole resident of Greece's remote Kinaros island - 80-year-old Mrs Rinio - recently received an unexpected gift in the form of a donkey.

You May Also Like

Greece’s PM sends OXI Day message as Thessaloniki holds annual student parade

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took to Facebook on Sunday to reflect on the significance of OXI Day and the events surrounding it.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins Greek community in honouring OXI Day

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has joined the Greek community today in honouring the 82nd anniversary of OXI Day.

Greek BBQ to be held at historic Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paddington

Sydney's Greek community is invited to attend a barbeque fundraiser this Sunday at the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paddington.