By BRIDGET SCOTT
MORE than 60 sporting clubs in the City of Casey have already signed up to take part in a new initiative called the Good Sports Program.
The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) is working with the City of Casey to bring the national program to sporting clubs across the community.
The program works with clubs throughout Australia to reduce alcohol-related harm both within the clubs and wider community.
As part of the program, clubs work through three levels of accreditations that identify a range of areas in which clubs can improve their practises, including alcohol and tobacco management, safe transport and alternative fundraising strategies.
Last year, Good Sports Victoria reached more than 1000 clubs accredited at the highest level of the program. In Casey, over 60 clubs are already accredited ranging from cricket and football clubs, to netball and hockey clubs.
City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said the Good Sports partnership would be of huge benefit to local clubs and the community.
“The assistance and support provided by the Good Sports program is something we encourage all Casey clubs to embrace to ensure that alcohol doesn’t retract from the positive contribution clubs make to the local community.”
Victoria Good Sports manager Rod Glenn-Smith is hopeful the new partnership will help break down the connection between alcohol and community sport.
“We are thrilled to be able to strengthen the Good Sports program in the outer south-eastern suburbs with the City of Casey as our partner,” he said.
“Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Australia and Good Sports is helping clubs build stronger, healthier communities.”
Mr Smith also mentioned that by taking part in Good Sports, clubs were demonstrating a commitment to providing a safe, healthy and fun environment not just for players but also members, families and the community.
As part of the partnership, the City of Casey will help with funding Responsible Service of Alcohol training for club members and help promote the program within the community.
The ADF is anticipating the announcement of more local council and Good Sports partnerships in Victoria soon.
According to independent research, Good Sports is associated with a reduction in short-term risky drinking of about 10 per cent.
For details about Good Sports visit www.goodsports.com.au
