North Melbourne’s community arm The Huddle continues to lead from the front in the AFL industry, taking out the Minister’s Award at the Victorian Government’s 2014 Community Sport and Recreation Awards.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Damian Drum presented the award on Wednesday night at the MCG, commending The Huddle for its innovation in creating social cohesion among young people who live in and around the broader North Melbourne community.

“For more than four years The Huddle has forged partnerships with sporting organisations, community groups, schools and government to draw on the power of sport. It’s all about breaking down barriers and building community pathways for migrants and refugee youth in Melbourne’s inner northwest,” Mr Drum said.

“In 2013 alone, Huddle programs touched more than 6,000 participants, enabling young people to embrace local sport and community, develop new friendships, grow in confidence and improve their health and wellbeing.

“This is a shining example of the positive role that sports, led by strong partnerships, can play in increasing active participation and inclusion.”

Mr Drum said The Huddle personified sport and community working together harmoniously and the Minister’s Award was fitting.

“The Victorian Coalition Government’s Sport and Recreation Awards provide the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the dedicated individuals, teams, clubs and organisations around the state that embody the true spirit of community sport and recreation,” he added.

“That’s why it’s with great pleasure that I present the 2014 Minister’s Award to the Life and Learning Centre - The Huddle.”

Mr Drum presented General Manager of The Huddle Dr Sonja Hood and Community Programs Manager Sarah Bourke with an engraved glass trophy and $5,000 for the club's community arm.