In late May, the Carlton Football Club officially launched the "Nick Duigan High Rise Footy Program”, in conjunction with the Victoria Police. This program is a new community initiative devised for the children of Carlton's high rise estates next to Carlton Primary School. The main aim of the program is to divert high risk behaviour by getting kids involved in cost free sport after school.

With finance, transport and communication being the main challenges facing their inclusion in AFL football, this initiative is giving migrant and refugee communities  the opportunity to be a part of our exciting game. The 12 week program uses football-associated activities to help promote physical activity, healthy living, positive behaviour and teamwork.

Carlton defender Nick Duigan, the patron of the project, said he was relishing the opportunity to introduce children to AFL football. "Football is a great way to bring people together and form strong bonds, so I think this initiative will have a positive impact on those kids participating," Duigan said.  "They seem to be enjoying it so hopefully by the end of the program we might have a few who take their footy further."

Of the 100 children at Carlton Primary school, around 80 children have participated in the inaugural session and it is hoped the number will grow as the project continues. Nick Duigan  and the club are already planning how the program can be improved for next year.

View photos from the launch of Nick Duigan High Rise Footy here.