Insider Guides was privileged to be joined by Craig Foster, media identity and former Socceroo, who has been a vocal and passionate advocate for vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19. Craig has spearheaded the Play for Lives campaign which brings together food, sport and the community in a uniquely effective way to provide much needed support to vulnerable communities, including refugees, migrants and international students.
The current global pandemic has shone a light on disequity of minority groups. Craig believes that sporting communities, both community and professional, have a major part to play in providing people-power to get help to those in need with an understanding that we have a moral responsibility to all, including international students and all those on temporary visas who are incredibly important to society.
“They are adding to the diverse nature of our community .. they are part of the substance of our society every day.”
Craig acknowledged that universities and state governments had provided much-needed support but international students needed more. He stated that there is a high proportion of international students who are connected to a local sporting organisation, connections that are vitally important to social integration.
“Sport is about teams, looking after each and these students are our teammates.”
In the early stages of the pandemic, it became clear that sport was going to be postponed, if not cancelled all together, so the idea came about that if players were going to commit themselves to sport then this energy could be repurposed for the benefit of the Australian community.
The volunteer Play for Lives platform was established, connecting sporting clubs with charities such as OzHarvest, Meals on Wheels and the Cancer Council. It also connects with smaller grassroots charities who already hold the trust of vulnerable communities. Charities are being supported through people-power by packing and delivering hampers and through valuable financial donations.
“We have wrapped the sporting communities around these [charity] organisations.”
At the heart of sport is the spirit of volunteerism and service to the community. Education and accommodation providers are encouraged to become involved, because it is all about providing the immediate needs for international students together. Craig welcomes contact via email or social media if student organisations want to participate in Play for Lives or connect with those already working in the local student communities.
“Sport has a social responsibility as a major influential, high profile social institution in Australia to help where it possibly can. The idea is to get out beyond members to help vulnerable communities in need.”
COVID-19 has challenged our social structures, but it has made people reflect on how they are connecting with others. This sense of community is what Craig believes will bring out the best in Australians.
“The idea is to get sport to strengthen Australia’s community resilience”
Thank you Craig for your insight and valuable contribution to international students and communities in need.
