MELBOURNE, in partnership with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and AFL, has launched the ‘The Welcome Game’, which will be the theme for its match against St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday, August 13 (round 21). The Welcome Game is an inclusive event that promotes a message of welcoming everyone to Australian football, to the MCG and to the Melbourne Football Club.

Our game has a proud history of inclusiveness. Whether you were born here or born overseas – our game welcomes you. Whatever your religion – our game welcomes you. Whatever your gender or whoever you love – our game welcomes you!

This game offers an opportunity to celebrate Melbourne's diversity and inclusiveness and a sense of belonging – and what better way to do this than by welcoming everyone to Australia’s game at the home of football, the iconic MCG. In addition, it’s an opportunity for Melbourne’s dynamic and vibrant community to come together and celebrate the cultural heritage and identity of the city.

In welcoming everyone to this game, it offers an opportunity to celebrate all things great about Melbourne: its diversity, food, culture, art and sport. Melbourne and the MCC have given away 20,000 tickets to the game tovarious schools and multicultural communities to provide everyone with the opportunity to experience Australia’s game. And whether you go to the footy regularly, or have never been before – you will be welcome!

The National Sports Museum, located at Gate 3 of the MCG, will be open from 10am on the day and kids will get in FREE, with up to 50 per cent off entry for adults attending The Welcome Game. From 11am on the day there will be a range of activities on offer, including a sausage sizzle, multicultural music and entertainment, Hands on Footy for people new to the game, face painting and more. In addition, a special international flag parade will take place onthe turf at half-time.

Further adding to the appeal of the game is that it is a Sunday Funday game, meaning free general admission tickets are available to children under the age of 15. There will also be kick to kick on the MCG after the game (weather permitting), plus heaps of other family activities. Australian football is for everyone and everyone is welcome at the footy. Footy brings people together and provides an occasion where all people belong.

The AFL, the MCC and the Melbourne Football Club welcomes and celebrates diversity. And The Welcome Game promotes and celebrates the inclusive nature of our game.