Working in elite sporting environments including football, cricket and AFL, Athletes For Hope Australia Director Sunil Menon has experienced the unifying power that sport has to positively impact communities. Sunil has seen the strength that lies behind the voices of athletes and how they have a unique opportunity to utilise their profiles to positively impact the charities and causes that they care about. Inspired by these experiences, Sunil joined the AFHA Board in 2024; "I believe in what Athletes for Hope Australia does as there is nothing like sport and the power it has to bring people together."
Tell us about yourself, based on the most important aspects of your identity to you.
From a professional perspective, I am passionate about the power of sport to influence change in society. My current role is Head of Community at Melbourne City FC, overseeing the club’s charity, school partnerships and work with community clubs. Being of Indian-Australian heritage to me is really important, with both cultures helping to shape my family and I; I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! I am also a husband and father of 2, Navira 6 and Ishaan 2.
When did you realise that you could play a role in contributing to the causes, charities or communities that matter most to you?
I’ve been fortunate in my career to work within multiple elite sporting environments including Football, Cricket and Aussie Rules. Through these experiences I’ve seen the unifying power sport has had in positively influencing a wide range of communities and causes; experiences that I was confident would be of great value to Athletes for Hope Australia. So when the opportunity arose to join the organisation as a Director - it was an opportunity too good to refuse.
What causes are you passionate about?
Big question! Essentially I like seeing people being able to become the best version of themselves, acknowledging that we don’t all begin on the same starting line. Being yourself and allowing people to feel comfortable in a variety of environments is something that matters to me.
Describe the way/s in which you contribute to these causes, charities or communities, and why you have chosen to contribute in this way?
I am fortunate in my day-to-day life at Melbourne City FC and my involvement with our City in The Community program to be able to use football as a tool to positively impact the lives of young people. Through our programs that focus on education, employment, health, and respect, we use sport to empower young people. One of my most rewarding experiences was during my time at Charlton Athletic in London where I helped organise a fundraising walk for our Down-Syndrome team. We raised over $30,000 and the team celebrated by running to all parts of the stadium and cheering with the fans; it was an absolute delight.
What have you learnt about the causes, charities or communities that you have been supporting?
It's tough out there. Being in the midst of a cost of living crisis, people are struggling in so many areas - not just financially, but socially and emotionally. Sometimes the big grand gestures are great, but often the simple extending of a hand or meaningful conversations are what people need to get through these tough times.
How have you benefited or developed personally from giving back?
Immensely! Giving back has enabled me to understand more about the challenges people go through and the importance of fostering a sense of community and connection. By helping others, you build stronger relationships with people who share your values, and you can create a network of like-minded individuals who inspire and support each other. Contributing to causes can also help you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges others face, making you more empathetic. It broadens your worldview and helps you to see things from different perspectives.
What is your advice to athletes across all levels of sports who are looking to contribute to the causes, charities or communities they are passionate about?
You may be at the start of your professional sporting journey, or coming towards the end - no matter where you are, sport has such an important role to play in Australian society. For many people sport is at the heart of their communities and has become something that is essential to the way they live their lives. Sport often shapes family schedules over weekends and can amplify causes in a way like nothing else can. Your influence and journey can leave such a big impact on the people you meet, or you may want to explore what causes are important to you. However big or small your contribution is, your voice and influence is more important than you may realise. Give it a go!
Are you an athlete looking to connect with the causes, charities and communities that matter to you? Or want to support other athletes in their community contribution work? Join the AFHA Athlete Community today!
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