The Collingwood Magpies Community Football Team is back at Victoria Park for another year, with a growing squad ready to pull on the black and white stripes to reconnect, rebuild and belong.
Run in partnership with Reclink Australia, the unique program supports vulnerable young people aged 16–25, with some travelling from regional Victoria to attend.
Unlike a traditional football program, the Community Magpies’ weekly sessions begin late in February and continues year-round, offering fitness, life skills workshops and excursions to maintain routine and build confidence.
Using football as its pillar, the program creates a safe space that harnesses cultural connection and a focus on personal strengths.
Last season, 46 young people participated in the program, with 80% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and all coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
The results extended well beyond the field, and the team finished the year undefeated.
Key 2025 outcomes included:
- 45% of players gaining employment
- 47% re-engaging with education
- 34% starting vocational training
- 89% reporting improved wellbeing
- 84% showing positive behaviour change
The team’s mantra is ‘More Than Just Footy’ because that’s exactly what it is.
It’s a pathway to independence, identity and creating more opportunity.
For Rivar, a 22‑year‑old participant and father-of-three, the program has been life‑changing.
Growing up in the housing complexes in Collingwood and exposed to violence from a young age, the Club has provided him stability through a childhood shaped by hardships.
Through it all, footy has been his safe space.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned this year is that I can achieve anything.”
“I’ve proven to myself that I’ve got the drive, the willpower and the commitment to stay the course, even when life throws curveballs,” Rivar said.
“When my daughter says, ‘Daddy, I can’t wait to watch you tomorrow,’ ― that hits deep.”
“It makes it all worth it.”
He hopes to begin a youth work course this summer, keen to support others facing the same barriers he once navigated alone.
COMMUNITY FOOTBALL | Learn more about the program here.
