YVE Group was a proud major sponsor of inaugural The Pathways Cup between Geelong Soccer Club and Avondale Football Club on February 1.
The Pathways Cup is the beginning of a collaboration between the Lions and Avengers, two likeminded soccer clubs, and supported by the Wadawurrung People, to raise funds to provide inclusive opportunities in the soccer space for local Indigenous people.
Guest speakers included Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP, City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj, Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, Koorie Academy Basketball CEO Ricky Baldwin and Indigenous Civil Group Director Phil Jackson.
A total of $93,505.00 was fundraised, which will be used to buy a bus to provide opportunities for Indigenous children to access and be involved in soccer.
Funds will also start a new Indigenous soccer program at Avondale FC, and for youth soccer programs in the Geelong community inclusive of Indigenous Australians through The Geelong Foundation.
This opportunity will make a tangible difference to many young people through the development of soccer clinics and supporting registration fees and uniform purchases.
The day included junior games with the senior teams facing off with Geelong winning 3-2 in an exciting match.
Avondale President Steve Strano, ICG Director Phil Jackson, City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj and Geelong President Rob Kukanovski.
