Evaluation of the Melbourne City Football Club City Futures Program, November 2025.

Youth engagement in schooling is categorised by engagement behaviourally, emotionally and cognitively. Engagement is demonstrated when students are participating in academic and extracurricular activities, feel a sense of belonging in their surroundings, and are personally invested and accountable for their learning. When sport is included in school curriculum, it supports the development of students physically, socially and emotionally. Sport in school encourages students to be inclusive, build connections, develop skills in teamwork and resilience, and may foster the development of pride in some students.4 The Melbourne City Football Club (MCFC) launched the City Futures Program in 2023, specifically designed for secondary school students in Years 7 to 9. The program is integrated into the school curriculum, with dedicated periods allocated for each year level. Its primary aim is to enhance students’ academic engagement, behaviour, school attendance, teamwork, leadership skills, and overall citizenship development. This report has been developed for the MCFC for the evaluation of the City Futures program. The Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC), in partnership with the MCFC, aimed to investigate the program's impact on students, schools, and communities. The evaluation engaged with key stakeholders, whilst ensuring students' and teachers' experiences remain central to their key learnings.