Football Victoria (FV) would like to congratulate the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association (MCSA) on being awarded the 2022 Partner Organisation of the Year.
MCSA annually coordinates five leagues, a pre-season cup, a lightning cup, the U-Nite Cup, and an over-45s competition.
The nomination follows a partnership struck between MCSA and FV in 2019 based on a mutual alignment of values, including a desire to promote sporting opportunities and social inclusion for men and women from culturally diverse backgrounds.
In a post on Facebook, the MCSA said it was “humbled and honoured” to have received the prestigious award.
“There are so many committed individuals and organizations across the metropolitan and regional areas that are doing great work for the football community,” the post stated.
“To our sponsors, partners, and councils, thank you for your encouragement and tireless support. To all our members, League teams, and U-Nite Cup teams, thank you for your loyal support.
“Whatever baby steps we take or little progress we make, Melbourne’s grassroots community football is the winner. We will continue to seek improvements to be the best we can be.”
Steven Johnson, who nominated MCSA for the award was full of praise for the all-inclusive league.
“Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association provides a socially cohesive, safe, fun, affordable, and inclusive football environment for Melbourne’s diverse grassroots multicultural communities to enjoy, be active, make new friends and feel connected,” he said.
“Whilst always ensuring partners are achieving their own objectives, the MCSA never loses sight of its core objectives - that is working tirelessly and often without thanks to ensuring that football is accessible to communities that need greater support all whilst celebrating Victoria's diverse football community.
Johnson said the MCSA embraces partnership in all that it does ensureing the maximum impact is achieved from the combined resources and expertise of a diverse stakeholder network.
Relationships are established with multiple local government authorities to source and utilise an array of community facilities, in the same way, that relationships have been forged with Football Victoria and Melbourne Victory Football Club,” he explained.
Head of Diversity and Inclusion Nick Hatzoglou said the MCSA was awarded the 2022 Partner Organisation of the Year because of its ability to deal with stakeholders and the diversity among the association.
The MCSA is born out of inclusion with over 80 unique cultures represented amongst their member base, which is great for everyone,” he said.
"The community awards give us the chance to spotlight a handful of deserving volunteers, however, we would also like to acknowledge all the other hard-working volunteers of our football family who put in the hard yards every season."
The MCSA was recognised at the Community In Business Full-Time Luncheon. The FV team congratulates the association for its hard work to establish strong connections with their community and key stakeholders and for fostering a fun, inclusive environment.