A Partnership built on football, community, and youth development. 

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The relationship between More Than Just Footy (MTJF) and the Collingwood Football Club (CFC) reflects a longstanding commitment to community engagement, youth development and the positive impact of sport. Dating back to 2012, when the program operated as the Collingwood Knights in the Victorian Reclink Football League, the relationship has evolved through positive outcomes for participants and a shared belief in the importance of connection, inclusion and opportunity.

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A significant milestone was reached during NAIDOC Week in 2021, when the Collingwood Knights team was invited to be affiliated with Collingwood Football Club as the Collingwood Magpies Community Football Team. This collaboration has strengthened the program’s identity and provided participants with a meaningful connection to one of Australia’s most recognised sporting clubs.

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The Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation plays an important role in supporting the partnership, helping sustain a vital pathway that promotes participation, belonging and positive engagement. The Foundation’s support and the Club’s affiliation further provide an important platform for community connection, enabling young people to identify with the Collingwood brand and become part of something larger than themselves. 

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More Than Just Footy leads the day-to-day management and delivery of the program, bringing extensive frontline youth experience, local knowledge, established intergenerational community relationships and a strong understanding of the complex challenges affecting marginalised young people. MTJF role extends beyond football coordination to include wrap around mentoring, relationship-based engagement, fitness coaching, culturally intelligent guidance and expertise, enhanced wellbeing sessions, practical advocacy and links to prosocial pathways.​​

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MTJF sincerely appreciates the ongoing collaboration of the Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation and values the longstanding relationship. Together, the organisations continue to demonstrate how professional sport and community-based youth development can work alongside one another to strengthen social inclusion, create opportunity and support young people to thrive both on and off the field.

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