More than a game: why everyone can get around sport

Sport brings us all together. Hear it from AFL star Adam Saad!

We like our sport here in Australia… OK, we love it: and we love it so much that about 13 million adults have a go at it every year!  

Here, you could try a new sport every day of the week. It’s fun to play it or watch it – and we are into both, BIG TIME. 

Whether you win or lose, it’s all good because you still get alllll the benefits from sport:

• Meeting new people and making friends
• Keeping fit and healthy through exercise
• Being part of a team and community
• Learning new skills and abilities 

In Australia there are few sports as popular as AFL.

Like any sport, AFL brings people together from all different walks of life. It’s a reflection of the multicultural place Australia is. 

Even the Melbourne Cricket Ground has a Multi-Faith Prayer Room specially designed for all faiths, including Islam.

The AFL also has programs to provide opportunities for multicultural communities to get involved with the sport.

Carlton defender Adam Saad says he was welcomed into the AFL with open arms. “When I got to the club, I spoke to the players and coaches about being Muslim and our obligations and what we do every single day,” he explains. “They’ve embraced me.”

To top it all off, Adam was selected for the 2022 AFL All Australian Team, joining other top players hand-selected from all the teams. Legend. 

Adam wants others to follow in his footsteps. “I do hope more Muslims come on the AFL list in the coming years. We’ve got so much talent out there and if we can find a few more it will be really special.”

He’s making that happen by creating opportunities for the community through the Adam Saad Pathways Program. “It’s footy development, it’s skill development, it’s education sessions, cultural awareness, nutrition,” Adam explains.

“I think it’s important to remember the grassroots and where you came from,” Adam says. “Giving back to the community is something I’m really passionate about.”

So, whether you want to watch or play, check out what sports are on offer around you. You can start by looking for local sports clubs in your area on Facebook, Instagram or a quick Google… You might find your new favourite thing!

Want to hear more from Adam Saad? Watch a day in his life here.