The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation has stepped up its commitment to supporting African youth in the west after a funding boost was announced by the State Government today.

A portion of funding was dedicated to a mentoring program being developed by the Bulldogs’ Community Foundation, which aims to assist young African people living, studying or recreating in Melbourne’s west.

The Andrews Government pledged $8.6 million for African communities to support AFL-led initiatives to address issues and improve the wellbeing of all Victorians of African heritage.

Representatives from the Foundation were present at the launch on Friday, along Footscray Football Club’s Reuben William, who was born in South Sudan, and Bulldogs’ AFLW vice-captain Ellie Blackburn, who are both ambassadors for the Foundation.

The Government grants also included funding to AFLPA charity Ladder and The Huddle.

“Today’s announcement is really important for us, as it will allow us to take our work forward and help us create future role models that can inspire our next generations through our African mentoring program,” said Western Bulldogs Community Foundation General Manager, Kashif Bouns.

“The program will engage African youth aged between 14- 18 who will be matched with mentors from our playing group and will participate in a number of workshops.

“We are lucky to have role models like Jason Johannisen and Reuben William at our club who have already done some work in this area.

“Ellie Blackburn has been doing some youth work with Ladder and will be instrumental in developing the program.

“I would like to thank Minister Robin Scott and his team for supporting our work.  We are incredibly excited to work with North Melbourne, Ladder, the Victorian Government and the members of African community to pilot this initiative and hope that this will become an ongoing project going forward.”