Leigh Montagna has been named among 10 AFL players to represent the League as a Multicultural Ambassador, as part of the Australia Post Community Inclusion Partnership.

The Italian midfielder said his new role is a great opportunity to get involved in promoting the sport and encouraging others to embrace their heritage through the game.

“I am honored to be involved in such a significant program,” Montagna said.

“It is a great opportunity for me personally to develop new skills by working closely with the AFL, but more importantly I will be engaging with the multicultural community.” Montagna said.

Montagna will work one day per week at AFL House, focusing on promoting multicultural, social and ethnic media strategies to strengthen ties to the local community.

“The AFL has identified the multicultural community as playing an integral role in the sport,” Montagna said.

“I have been given the license to come up with my own projects.I want to speak to players with diverse backgrounds from different clubs to tell their story, so that AFL supporters get a sense of who they are and how they came to play football,” he concluded.

St Kilda’s off-season recruit Ahmed Saad has also been chosen to support and perform ambassadorial roles across AFL programs because of his Egyptian/Muslim heritage.

As one of the League’s only practicing Muslims, Saad said he hopes he can inspire others to work hard and follow their passions, no matter what culture or religion they follow.

“Being from an Egyptian/Muslim background, my religion plays an important role in my life,” Saad said.

“I hope I can inspire other Muslims from across Australia to get involved in sport and lead an active lifestyle,” he concluded.

Launching the initiative today, AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said it was critical the AFL reflects Australia’s changing demographics.

“We’re genuinely excited to provide 10 players with the opportunity to become leaders in the community, promoting the benefits of inclusion and diversity,” Mr Demetriou said.

“Equally, I’m sure the AFL industry will benefit enormously from the insights and cultural guidance these players will provide,” he concluded.

Multicultural players make up 10 per cent of the AFL player List. The League will again host a Multicultural Round to celebrate ‘Many Cultures.  One Game’ to be held in Round 14 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.