An initiative by National Rugby League club Canterbury Bulldogs to "promote social inclusion through the distribution of memberships for refugee families and others from disadvantaged backgrounds" is set to be the subject of a "groundbreaking" study by Western Sydney University, according to Brad Walter of THE AGE. With a "high percentage of fans from Arabic, or other non-English speaking backgrounds," Canterbury officials were told that many "felt isolated but being a member of the club gave them a sense of belonging." The club believes that attending matches "will help refugee families to fit more comfortably into the community." Bulldogs GM of Community Fayssal Sari said, "When families start to go to football matches they sit in the same spot and they meet other people because they are united in their support for a team. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, or from Sudan or Syria, sport unifies people." Western Sydney University lecturer Keith Parry also believes the concept "will have a positive impact for the membership recipients." Parry: "I am not aware of anything like this being done before." The membership program is part of a "three-pronged approach by the Bulldogs to help tackle key issues in their area -- social inclusion, domestic violence and health and wellness." Canterbury players recently took part in the White Ribbon Day march at Lakemba and the club is "working to help promote sports participation in schools," especially among girls from non-English speaking backgrounds (THE AGE, 12/27).
