- Published:
- Saturday 21 March 2026 at 9:50 am
The Allan Labor Government is using sport to keep kids engaged to prevent youth crime.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced another 8 providers who will help students stay engaged and on track through sport, in addition to 4 providers announced last year.
More than 30 priority schools will be funded and can book programs ahead of a Menu going live to all schools.
These schools can choose from 25 extracurricular activities – run by 12 organisations which are:
- The Huddle, run by North Melbourne Football Club
- Academy Movement
- Blue Light Victoria
- Centre for Multicultural Youth
- Cricket Victoria
- Foundation House
- L2R Dance
- Melbourne City Football Club
- Melbourne Storm Football Club
- Melbourne Victory Football Club
- TeamSports4All
- Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Before, during and after school activities will be available, as well as school holiday activities.
The activities aim to prevent boredom and isolation, discouraging at-risk children from turning to crime by:
- Attending school more regularly, and remaining connected to positive experiences during school holidays
- Building confidence and boosting self-esteem
- Feeling calmer and more ready to learn
- Practicing social skills like respect, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
More providers will be added in consultation with schools.
The Menu is part of Labor’s Violence Reduction Unit, focused on stopping crime before it starts and is being delivered as part of a $4.9 million investment from the Labor Government.
This investment builds on the Violence Reduction Unit’s Early Intervention Officers in 23 schools, changing the lives of children heading down the wrong path and keeping our community safe.
Jess Wilson’s Liberals have already announced plans to cut the VRU to fill their $11.1 billion budget black hole.
Only Labor has new solutions to make life easier, safer and more affordable for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“We want to reduce violent youth crime through serious consequences and early interventions.”
“By keeping kids busy with sport after school and over school holidays, we’re keeping them on the right track.”