Football United Digital Connections project wrapped up for 2011 with a high profile showcase event. Over 200 people squeezed into the Scientia Building at the University of NSW to view the Digital Connections Photo Gallery, watch Football United films and mingle with participants and special guests.

The World Game and football commentator, David Basheer, kicked off the event, performing the role of MC. Mr Basheer Introduced Special Guest Professor Lisa Pulver-Jackson AM who Acknowledged Country before Dr. Matt Miles of UNSW spoke of the impact that Football United has had on the University. Our very own Anne Bunde-Birouste spoke of Football United in 2011 before Dr. Helen Szoke of the Australia Human Rights Commission discussed race and the rights of young people.

Digital Connections Co-ordinator Stuart Meney stepped up to thank the participants, teachers and facilitators and discussed the Digital Connections journey through 2011. Yousif Yousif (below, third from right) from Fairfield Intensive English Centre introduced his class' effort. Working in partnership with Shopfront Theatre, 15 students explored animation, art, photography and film that culminated in a masterpiece, put together by Shopfront's Sarah Emery.

Karen from Miller Technology High School introduced a number of short films that students worked on from start to finish. Jay Johnson facilitated a number of workshops and teacher Ms Sally Atkins coordinated proceedings. In this film, Alex Lovas put together a Football United film from the 2011 Festival that explored what Football United meant to the participants, volunteers, players and Founder Anne Bunde-Birouste.

Evans High School's Al Hassan presented an inspiring speech about the exceptional participatory photography workshops that he and his class had taken part in with Mickey Kovari and Leanne Townsend from Flashpoint Labs. Over a ten-week period students were provided access to cameras and the opportunity to explore a whole lot of photography including portraiture, catching the moment, light and movement. A slideshow of photographs compliment the exceptional gallery in the Scientia foyer.

April and Aisha from Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School spoke of their workshops with Ben Rose from Information and Cultural Exchange. Visual Arts teacher, Ms Husic, put in a great deal of time and effort, allowing students to explore camerawork, photography, music, film and editing. The 5 minute film they produced asked "how does football bring people together?" and brought in a whole host of creative elements.

Finally, Jayke Cooper-Martin from Airds High School spoke to the 200 strong crowd about how Football United had impacted his life since May. He introduced the final piece of the Digital Connections jigsaw, a music video of Airds High School's Football United song. Mayu Ganeshan worked his magic in the studio at Switch in Parramatta and produced this song. The visuals represent the journey that Football United and Airds High School have been on in 2011.

The diversity of the guests was only matched by the diversity of their own stories. Corporate partners, community partners, football partners, volunteers, participants, coaches, donors, academics and parents were well represented, coming from all over the world to share in the end of year party, celebrating Football United in 2011. We're already looking forward to next year!

http://footballunited.org.au/component/content/article/7-football-united-news/384-its-showtime