Tasmanian Police Sergeant Peter May gives NMFC.com.au an insight into his very special match day in Hobart.

“I can’t even begin to imagine the culture shock for some new immigrants to Australia. Australia is a land of opportunity but to new arrivals it must seem like a crazy new world.

My unit and I recently got to know a family who emigrated from a refugee camp in Africa just four month ago.

All five children under 12 grew up inside the camp and none speak fluent English.

The fantastic work of the North Melbourne Football Club Community Football Program, through The Huddle, saw us land some complimentary tickets to take some disadvantaged kids to the footy.

So on a blustery Sunday in June we gathered ourselves to a blockbuster at Bellerive Blundstone Arena where the mighty Kangas took on the West Coast Eagles. Two of the kids chosen were Youhanis and Samari aged 12 & 11 who are just so eager to immerse themselves in Aussie culture.

As if collecting them in a police car wasn’t exciting enough - North Melbourne also donated each kid a club cap and a kindly neighbour threw me a kid’s supporters top. Inclusion also means looking the part.

Words cannot describe the excitement in their eyes as we entered the stadium. Thousands of colourful fans and all the fanfare of the day creates a visual delight for anyone.

The kid’s handball clinic at the front gate was an immediate hit. Within a few minutes they had gained some ball skills and were getting into the groove. The club Kangaroo Mascot caught their eye and they were mesmerised in amazement. A few inquisitive prods of the mascot and a handshake drew plenty of smiles and giggles.

Next stop was the boundary seats in the supporters section under the big screen. Mouths open they absorbed the noise, the crowds, the players warming up and the biggest TV they had ever seen.

We settled into what was a ripper of a game. It was a nail biter that kept the crowd very vocal in their barracking. Both Youhanis and Samari quickly learnt to chant “Go Kangas” and squeal with delight when a goal was scored.

Quarter breaks included on-field marking contests, T-Shirt Cannon and kids AusKick displays.

When the final siren sounded it was a well fought victory for the Roos. Youhanis was even presented a signed kids football from Jack Ziebell to top it off. That ball got a fair workout over the next hour as both kid’s mastered kicks and marks.

Next stop was the players debrief in the warm up rooms where both Youhanis and Samari got the chance to get up close and personal with their new heroes. Todd Goldstein’s autograph joined the football and made an appearance on their hats and tops.

When I dropped the kid’s home I was treated to a hilarious family re-enactment in the lounge room.

This included the centre bounce, boundary throw plus marks, kicks and hand balls. It wasn’t until much later I understood that trying to lift the TV above their head was miming the big screen.

Again a big thank you to the North Melbourne Football Club. It is sports, arts & music that transcend and blend cultural boundaries.

Both Youhanis and Samari were extremely respectful and polite. Their gratefulness was evident when they shook everyone’s hand, looked them squarely in the eye and said “thank you”.”