Sydney FC has welcomed more than 100 children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds to Sky Park for a special football camp aimed at building friendships and strengthening community ties.
The two-day Connection Camp, held during the October school holidays, brought together children aged seven to 12 from across Sydney, with Sydney FC coaches and trained youth leaders delivering football activities.
Conceived and funded by Meriton founder Harry Triguboff and his team, led by Ella Lizor, the sold-out initiative attracted a long waiting list and aims to foster understanding and mutual respect between children of different faiths and cultures.
Sydney FC Owner and Director Alina Barlow said the club was delighted to host the event at its Macquarie Park training facility.
“It was a great honour to welcome Connection Camp to Sky Park and see so many children from different backgrounds enjoying football together,” she said.
“Football is a wonderful way to break down barriers and we hope the connections made here will last long after the camp has finished.
“We are proud Sydney FC is working alongside Harry Triguboff, Meriton and the other partners on an initiative that encourages young people to look beyond their differences and build genuine friendships.”
Mr Triguboff established the program following the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi last December, believing friendships formed during childhood can help create a more united society.
“If children from different backgrounds grow up knowing each other, understanding each other, and playing together, they will carry that respect into adulthood,” Mr Triguboff said.
“Sport brings people together like nothing else, the kids will play together and realise we are all on one team – team Australia.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Multiculturalism, the Hon. Steven Kamper, attended the camp, which was supported by Liverpool City Council, Wests Tigers, Maccabi Australia and community leaders, including representatives of Sydney’s Jewish and Muslim communities.
The October camp was the second in the series, with another planned for December.
