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< Back Skating Into The Holidays! ​ 27 June 2024 The Huddle Up! Junior participants are getting ready to skate into the holidays. Our Huddle Up! Junior participants are ending the term with a thrilling two weeks of skateboarding! After the success of last year's introduction, we brought back the excitement with our mid-year skateboarding sessions at Kensington Skatepark. We had an action-packed celebration where our young skaters honed their skills, pushed their limits, and had a blast on their boards! Previous Next

< Back Unleashing the Power of Sport to Improve Numeracy Emily O'Halloran 9 May 2024 NBA Math Hoops, the quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resource for your classroom. In the words of Nelson Mandela, " Sport has the power to change the world…to inspire...to unite people... It speaks to youth in a language they understand." This wisdom transcends beyond the playing field and resonates within our classrooms. Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health underscores the connection between sports-based learning activities and heightened student motivation, improved attendance, and enhanced academic performance. But what about the specific links between sport and mathematics? The evidence is compelling. In a 2017 study, Sanchal and Sharma found that introducing a sports context in learning improved attitudes towards maths. Furthermore, findings from the American Institutes for Research demonstrated that students engaged in sports-related maths programs showed enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and overall maths proficiency. As a former Numeracy Leader, I've seen firsthand the transformative effect of infusing sports into maths lessons. Games like dodgeball for statistics, BinBall for percentages, and table soccer for angles make abstract concepts tangible, fun and playful experiences. Lessons like "Impossible Soccer Angles" and "Kicking Goals," part of the Middle Years Mathematics Challenges series by the Mathematical Association of Victoria, demonstrate how maths and sports can not only break down barriers but also make learning fun and engaging. While integrating sport and play into lessons is undoubtedly beneficial, the reality is that it demands precious energy and time, both of which are scarce commodities for teachers. Fortunately, there are quality, easy-to-implement, easy-to-access resources available. One standout example is NBA Math Hoops, a program designed by Learn Fresh for primary and junior secondary students. In NBA Math Hoops, students simulate basketball games using a board game format that incorporates real-life statistical data from NBA players. Through this engaging approach, students not only reinforce their mathematical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the practical applications of numeracy in everyday life. Students draft NBA players for their team, assess player statistics, strategise game moves, and make decisions based on mathematical principles. The success of NBA Math Hoops and similar programs lies in their ability to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and real-world applications. By incorporating sports into the learning process, students are more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic about maths. The dynamic nature of sport fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – all essential components of mathematical proficiency. Harriet Dunn, a primary school teacher from Merri-Bek Primary School, put it very simply after bringing NBA Math Hoops into her classroom: “For once the students looked forward to maths lessons”. The power of sports to engage students in maths is not just theoretical; it's real and transformative. As school leaders, consider championing programs like NBA Math Hoops to create an environment where learning becomes synonymous with excitement. Get free access to NBA Math Hoops in your school and explore how The Huddle is improving education and employment outcomes through the power of sport by following this link: https://www.thehuddle.org.au/nbamathhoops Previous Next

< Back Huddle Up! Junior Skateboarding Kensington Skate Park Previous Next

< Back Welcome our newest Shinboner to Game Day! Previous Next

< Back Victorian Math Hoops Championship The first ever Victorian Math Hoops Championship was held at The Huddle this month. Previous Next

< Back Spring Huddle Holidays 2024 Recap! Spring has sprung with an action-packed holiday program! Huddle Holidays did not disappoint! Patrick McPhee Previous Next

< Back Game Changers to Community Leader How Anita Transformed Her Passion for Sport and Community into Empowering Local Youth Emily Maiorana Previous Next

< Back Templestowe Park Primary School take on Game Day! Three years of Game Day experiences with Templestowe Park Primary School! Cobie Spencer Previous Next

< Back Skating Into The Holidays! The Huddle Up! Junior participants are getting ready to skate into the holidays. ​ Previous Next

< Back 'Laz' rises to claim Peter Scanlon Community Award Samantha Weston 2 Sept 2022 The efforts of midfielder Charlie Lazzaro have been recognised with the Peter Scanlon Community Award for 2022 Charlie Lazzaro experienced first-hand the impact that AFL players have on fostering a love of the sport in-person throughout his childhood in Geelong. He knew that if his dreams of playing professional football came to be, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, that he had a strong desire to return the favour to his new community in North Melbourne. Charlie was presented his jumper for Round 1 of 2021, and since then, has played 24 games for North Melbourne at a senior level. The now 20-year-old has been commended for his professionalism, resilience and maturity, the likes of which resemble someone who has been playing at a professional level for far longer than himself. He gives some of this credit to his senior teammates, who along with the younger cohort, have “…looked after us and really helped us transition into the AFL environment and really encouraged us not to go into our shells.” Charlie puts a lot of emphasis on team spirit at North Melbourne, and how the jump from playing Under 18s to AFL is underpinned by looking after your teammates, rather than individual performance. Since the middle of 2022, Charlie has been involved on a weekly basis with a program run by The Huddle that is very close to his heart. Huddle Up! Is a multisport program that provides young people with the opportunity to get involved and get active through social games of a variety of sports, as well as health and fitness classes delivered in a safe and inclusive environment. Growing up in Geelong, Charlie looks back fondly on the experience of AFL players coming to visit his school or trainings to share advice and get fellow aspiring players excited about what a future in footy might look like. These experiences helped shape as a player, and he is proud to be able to provide this experience to his new community at North Melbourne. Later into Charlie’s school years, he took part in the Duke of Edinburgh - an international youth development program that allows young people explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion, and place in the world. One focus of the Award is Voluntary Service, and Charlie spent his volunteer time throughout the program finding his passion for helping others and learning about the profound effect that volunteering his time can have on the wider community. [The Duke of Ed] was a pathway, and once I was lucky enough to get drafted to North, I was able to start working with The Huddle Program, and I’ve really enjoyed helping out since I started. - Charlie Lazzaro It is clear to Huddle Up! attendees and volunteers that Charlie has a special eye for inclusion. He can be seen always going out of his way to make sure every young person is getting the most out of the experience. If he spots someone falling a bit behind or catches them in their shell, he will always go out of his way to get them involved and getting the most out of the experience. He also makes the effort to hang around and shoot hoops or chat with the participants after the session is complete and shows a real joy for fostering these important relationships. On Thursday night, Charlie was named the winner of The Peter Scanlon Community Award, which exemplifies the spirit of giving, going the ‘extra mile’ on numerous occasions, often without recognition, and never expecting fanfare. During his acceptance speech, he talked about what an honour receiving the award was and how much it means to him. He has come full circle in giving back to his community what was so important to him in his youth, and has made a lasting impression on so many of young people at The Huddle in the process. Previous Next

< Back Huddle Holidays - Summer '24 Volleyball, Surf Trip, Jewellery Making Class Previous Next

< Back Empowering Early Careers Emily Maiorana 21 Nov 2023 Howard's Story For many young people the expectation of needing to have your career path decided is both an unrealistic and overwhelming process. Game Changers is a program that instills confidence in young people, provides authentic experiences and uncovers skills that assist young people in defining their own career path. In partnership with Equal Ed and Wyndham City Council, The Huddle delivered Game Changers to eager young people living, learning or playing in the city of Wyndham during the June school holidays. Fostering creative thinking, active problem solving, teamwork and project management, Game Changers acts as a launchpad for young people to develop skills, make new connections and gain real-world experience. Howard is a 16 year old male from Wyndham, and has been a consistent participant of The Huddle’s Multisport program, Huddle Up!. Howard was encouraged to participate in Game Changers due to his proven leadership abilities and enthusiasm to professionally develop his skillset. The program took place over three days and saw participants engaged in ideation and project development workshops facilitated by Equal Ed, while The Huddle delivered job readiness sessions. “What I enjoyed most about the program was the teamwork and connection created by the delivers and participants, The Huddle offered valuable support in building our personal character, Equal Ed shared practical knowledge and challenged our way of thinking and Liam provided us with connection to Wyndham Council”. Howard alongside six of his peers were offered an Employment Experience position at The Huddle where they assisted the planning, recruitment, and execution of our Huddle Slam event for over 60 young people in the Wyndham community. “This opportunity has braced me for the future. I feel aware and reassured that I will not be overwhelmed by what a workplace feels like in the future,” said Howard. As a result of the collaboration, Howard has felt supported and comfortable to engage in other programs to further elevate him on his early career journey. He took part in the Wyndam Emerging Professionals Network event, where he was able to connect with leaders from different industries and have safe conversations about his future endeavors. The partnership has allowed Howard to seek mentors across a variety of industries and gain access to a wealth of services who can further support him along the way. “Aside from the development of my skills, the partnership has helped me build a foundation for my future”. Howard will soon embark on a new challenge as he gears up to participate in the Change-Maker Summit held in Canberra in December. Howard is one of 25 young Australians who have been accepted into this program hosted by the Australian Olympic Committee. Game Changers will again be delivered in Wyndham in Autumn 2024. If you would like further information about the program or other employment services offered at The Huddle, please contact Emily Maiorana at emily.maiorana@nmfc.com.au . Previous Next