Today Sydney FC's Alex Brosque was on hand to present the children of Football United's unique refugee program with HBA's first INTOFOOTBALL sporting grant valued at $4,000.

Football United offers an innovative program assisting young refugees with their integration into the Australian community through a football development program. The program, which was started through the University of New South Wales (UNSW) uses the global appeal and common interest of football to bring people from diverse communities together.

In addition, Football United kicked off a new after school initiative at the Miller Intensive English Centre (IEC) to help young refugees settle into Australian life. This new partnership with the Miller IEC and Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre has been made possible through a grant from the Fairfield Mounties club, and HBA Health Insurance and Sydney FC are thrilled to be a part of it.

"Funding for this program is sometimes difficult to obtain so we are thrilled to accept this contribution which will enable us to expand some of the activities we offer to community groups in the Sydney area," said Football United founder Anne Bunde-Birouste, from UNSW's School of Public Health and Community Medicine. "This grant will provide us with much needed equipment and allow us to continue our aims to contribute to building social cohesion through soccer."

Football United students gathered to welcome Alex Brosque and kick the ball with one of their favourite sporting stars. Brosque handed equipment to the students including balls, clothing, a Sydney FC shirt and a cheque to further support programs aimed at encouraging active participation in football.

"It's great to see so many kids excited about football. I hope this equipment helps maintain their enthusiasm for many years to come," Brosque said.

HBA introduced the INTOFOOTBALL grants as a practical way to provide the resources needed for increased participation in football. As a leading health fund, HBA Private Health Insurance shares a common goal with Sydney FC to promote healthy and active lifestyles from a young age. By providing the resources needed the program aims to get kids off the couch and active in sport.

Beyond the INTOFOOTBALL grants, HBA's partnership with Sydney FC goes a step further by encouraging children to be active through coaching clinics, chances to win tickets to A League games and opportunities to play in half-time league games.

HBA's NSW State Manager Phil Scapens said, "HBA's INTOFOOTBALL is all about creating opportunities for kids to increase their activity levels, develop new skills, boost their confidence and, above all else, have fun playing football."

HBA is the second largest non-government private health fund in Australia. HBA's history in providing Australians with access to quality private health care can be traced back over seventy years, while more recently keeping its average premium increases below the industry average since 2002.