Monash and Carlton FC provide an unforgettable experience for International Students

Miles Rodriques - Media Intern

Thursday 6 August

200 International Students from Monash University travelled to the Parkville yesterday, where they were treated to a football clinic run by Carlton Football players and taught the importance of living an eco-friendly student life.

Also in attendance were a group of elite volleyballers from China's Tianjin University, as part of a friendship tour between Monash and Tianjin Universities and volleyball clubs.

Monash’s Sustainability Officer Raqibul Hassan, with the help of some SEDA student volunteers, explained the rules of AFL to the students while Green Program Coordinator, Mark Doggett from The Office of Environment and Sustainability, demonstrated how easy and vital recycling waste can be around university.

The students were then lead across the road to Visy Park where a group of Carlton players, lead by Bryce Gibbs, taught and encouraged everyone to kick, mark and handball.

"It was hard to explain the rules to them because they didn’t know much, but they all seemed to pick it up pretty quick," Gibbs said. "We might not get any new recruits out of this but we’ll definitely get some new supporters."

The enthusiastic Amit Keherade, who is currently completing a Masters in Business Information Systems described the sport as “a combination of cricket and soccer. It is easy but hitting the ball with your arm makes it like volleyball."

Recycling company VISY teamed up with Monash Sport to supply green t-shirts to all participants, linking in with the AFL’s Green round next week. Participants also received showbags from Carlton Football Club with merchandise to wear to the match on Friday night.

James Voo is the President of the Malaysian Club at Monash Clayton and was a key member in enrolling students into the field trip.

"It is important for the international students to get involved in AFL to become part of the Australian culture, but more importantly, the Melbourne culture," Mr. Voo said.

The students are eagerly anticipating going to their first live match on Friday night between Carlton and Geelong.

The students listening to a bit of footy history and culture before the clinic

Practising handballing

Some Tianjin voleyballers and Monash students with Carlton footballers Sam Jacobs and Paul Bower

The entire group at Visy Park