Melbourne Victory Football Club, in partnership with Stride Education, is thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking youth wellbeing program at Westgarth Primary School, Northcote. Set to commence in July 2024, this innovative initiative integrates social-emotional learning with sports, aiming to foster holistic development among grade 5 students.
Leading the program for Stride Education is Jordan Schmidt, an Australian Survivor superfan and esteemed teen mentor. Following a successful pilot in 2023, the Supportive Friends in Action program will deliver a series of dynamic workshops focusing on social cohesion, emotional and behavioural management, decision-making, mindset, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Benjamin Cunningham, Leading Teacher at Westgarth Primary School, praises the initiative: “This has to be one of the best engagement and wellbeing initiatives I have seen in a school. The students were super excited to participate, and we observed definite improvements in how they treat each other.”
A cornerstone of the program is its emphasis on positive leadership, with inspiring and relatable facilitators serving as healthy role models. Jordan Schmidt highlights the importance of mentorship: “Young people need strong role models who not only teach them skills but also deeply listen to their needs and insights. Having strong leaders in my youth strengthened my confidence and belief in aiming high and reaching my goals.”
The program uniquely blends social-emotional learning with football, providing students with both classroom lessons and football sessions each week. Simon Rodder, Head of Community at Melbourne Victory, underscores the benefits: “Increasing physical activity is a key indicator of better performance in the classroom and community. By using football as a vehicle, young people will become more engaged in topics that support their holistic development.”
Amid the backdrop of Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, alarming statistics underline the urgent need for early intervention. In Australia, approximately seven men die by suicide daily, and nearly one-fifth of young people aged 11 to 17 experience high levels of psychological distress. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians, with half of all mental health conditions beginning by age 14.
Additional concerning trends highlight the necessity for robust intervention programs:
• A 30% rise in youth crime (ages 14-17) in 2024.
• A Senate inquiry finding student behaviour and engagement at crisis levels.
• Over one-third of Victorian school students experiencing racism, with over one-fifth facing daily incidents.
• Increasing school refusal rates among parents and educators.
Cheryne Blom, Program Manager at Stride Education, emphasises the program’s mission: “Our goal is to create a culture of connection, kindness, and respect in schools. The Supportive Friends in Action program aims to engage students with inspiring role models and use the power of sport to ‘play out’ the social-emotional skills learned in the classroom on the football field. This helps students build healthy relationships and responsible decision-making skills for life.”
Simon Rodder from Melbourne Victory adds: “We are excited to build on our partnership with Stride Education to ensure primary school-aged students live happier and healthier lives. It is a credit to Westgarth Primary School for investing in this program, an investment that will support young people beyond their school life.”
About us:
STRIDE EDUCATION is passionate about making change in a changing world. For over 35 years, we have been delivering social and emotional wellbeing programs to students, teachers and parents. Our programs offer key tools, or what we call STRIDE STEPS, that offer practical and easy to implement skills that help our students take life in their stride. Our program framework equips students with 21st-century life skills in the following categories: CONNECTION. Building healthy relationships COLLABORATION. Working productively in teams CAREERS & TRANSITIONS: Assisting future pathways COMMUNITY. Inspiring change-makers and global citizens CONTRIBUTION. Encouraging purpose and courageous leadership COMMUNICATION. Developing skills for confident and clear expression CRITICAL THINKING. Opening minds to problem solve and navigate change and uncertainty Our signature programs are delivered in primary and secondary schools across Australia. Programs include Peer Support, Peer Mediation, MPower friendship program, Revved Up emotional management program, Leadership, Supportive Friends, The Resilience Toolbox, iPrep and more. These are facilitated over a full day, half-day, or 2-hour period.
In addition, we work closely with schools and educational organisations to tailor-build programs to suit specific student needs and budget requirements.
