Adelaide United proudly opened its doors this week to participants of Cook.Move.Grow., a transformative community program helping young people develop practical life skills and healthier habits.
As part of their final week in the free, three-week program, participants were invited to the Club’s Training Centre at Playford to prepare and serve lunch to the A-League Men’s players and staff – a rewarding experience that celebrated their hard work and growth.
Delivered in partnership with SYC, APM Employment Services, Workforce Australia, and the City of Playford, Cook.Move.Grow. offers hands-on cooking experience in a commercial kitchen, a nationally recognised RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) qualification, and nutrition and healthy lifestyle workshops. Participants also benefit from 12 weeks of free follow-up support through SYC’s Success and Wellbeing Service.
Adelaide United is honoured to play a role in this initiative, not only by hosting fitness sessions during the program but also by sharing our facilities. The lunch served this week was a reflection of the skills the group had developed and a symbol of the Club’s ongoing commitment to the local community.
“The energy and enthusiasm the participants brought into our facility was really great,” said Community Programs Manager Ruben Garcia Byrne. “This program goes beyond skill-building – it’s about confidence, community, and creating opportunity.”
A graduation ceremony followed the meal, marking the achievements of each individual and the bonds formed along the way.
Adelaide United remains committed to initiatives like Cook.Move.Grow., which uplift and empower our region’s young people. Together with our partners, we’re proud to help create pathways to success both on and off the pitch.
