Casey clubs come together to tackle racism in sport
Local clubs, community leaders and volunteers gathered at Casey Fields sporting precinct in Melbourne’s South East for the Racism Doesn’t Belong In Our Game campaign roadshow event on 2 October, designed to support the local sporting community to identify, prevent and respond to racism.
Hosted by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) and Centre for Multicultural Sport (CMSport) in partnership with Melbourne City Football Club, the event brought together clubs, associations and leagues from across the Casey region to share knowledge, hear lived experiences and explore practical actions that create safer and more inclusive sporting environments for all participants.
The event included a panel discussion with Awer Mabil, Socceroo and Melbourne City FC player, and Lee Bevan-Woodley, coach of the Victorian First Nations Netball Team, in conversation with Sunil Menon, Head of Community at Melbourne City Football Club. Together, they shared personal stories, insights and perspectives on the impact of racism in sport and the importance of fostering belonging for all participants.
Awer Mabil spoke of the need for people to speak up when incidents happen, although it can be challenging:
“If you just keep it inside, then it’s kind of burning you. When you share something, at least you have it out rather than just sitting in silence with it.”
Lee Bevan-Woodley shared her personal reflections on representation in leadership and decision-making spaces:
“If you’re going to claim that you’re inclusive, accepting and multicultural, then you have to have the people in place making these decisions that reflect that.”
A powerful theme throughout the morning was that racism remains a reality in community sport, but everyone has a role to play in addressing it. Speakers highlighted the importance of calling out racist behaviour when you see it, creating culturally safe sporting environments, and ensuring clubs have the confidence and tools to respond effectively when incidents occur.
Key takeaways from the event
- Racism has no place in community sport and affects players, families, officials and volunteers both on and off the field.
- Sporting clubs play a critical role in creating welcoming environments where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
- Education, leadership and clear reporting processes are essential to preventing and responding to racism.
- Listening to lived experiences helps clubs better understand the impact of racism and strengthens commitment to meaningful action.
- Building inclusive club cultures requires ongoing effort from players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and supporters.
The Casey event was part of the broader Racism Doesn’t Belong In Our Game campaign roadshow, led by CMY and CMSport, which aims to empower local communities to take action against racism and strengthen inclusion across Victorian sport.
The message from the event was clear: creating welcoming and inclusive sporting environments is a shared responsibility, and by working together, clubs can ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the game they love free from discrimination.
Learn more and access resources: sport.vic.gov.au/anti-racism
This campaign is delivered by CMSport and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) in partnership with AFL Victoria, Basketball Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Football Victoria, Netball Victoria, NRL Victoria, Tennis Victoria, VACSAL, Vicsport and VicHealth. Proudly supported by the Victorian Government. We’re stronger together against racism.