In stadiums around the nation, enormous rivalry normally divides AFL cheer squads in the heat of competition on game day.

On an evening last week however, 35 members from nine different AFL cheer squads came together as one for a higher purpose at Richmond’s Indigenous centre, the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI).

The KGI hosted the inaugural ‘Cheer Squad Cultural Awareness Gathering’, facilitated by staff from the KGI, the AFL and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

Keeping a footy flavour, AFL Multicultural and Indigenous Ambassadors, St Kilda’s Leigh Montagna, Melbourne Demons’, David Rodan and Hawthorn’s Shaun Burgoyne also attended the night, providing insights into their family background and experiences.

The players and facilitators helped to contextualise the evening, by comparing the strong connections people have with their football club, to the connections people have with their heritage.

Educating the cheer squads, who are often the face of football club supporters to be more culturally aware, is one step in the process to educating people on cultural diversity within both football and the broader community, helping to create an environment at the football where everyone feels welcome.

The KGI will also host another REAL Program next week, which will see 20 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participate in a three-day program.

The REAL Program aims to develop leadership, health and wellbeing, cultural pride and affirmation and provide personal and career pathway opportunities.

Next week the participants will also be engaged in the Melbourne Writers’ Festival, which will include workshops on poetry, creative writing and developing song lyrics.

The KGI’s REAL Program is proudly supported by the Federal Government, partnered with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), Richmond Football Club and YMCA Victoria.

For more information about the KGI, click here to visit the website.