Mandurah clubs urged to join Good Sports program

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is calling for more sporting clubs across Mandurah to join its Good Sports Program in a bid to help build healthier and more family-friendly club environments.

Over 8,000 clubs nation-wide work with the Good Sports program, 500 of those clubs calling Western Australia home.

The program aims to create club environments where everyone feels welcome and supports clubs to implement policies around the responsible service of alcohol, safe transport and illegal drugs.

Mandurah currently has nearly 25 sporting clubs in the Good Sports Program, benefiting around 6,000 members of the local sporting community.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Western Australia Manager Greg Williams said when local clubs join the program it showed how they were committed to building healthier club environments.

“Clubs right across Mandurah have the opportunity to join the Good Sports Program," he said,

When clubs sign up to the program they're required to undergo some training, with assistance provided to them by guides, to complete the course and gain accreditation. 

"Every club is different, but most clubs can fulfill the requirements by committing just a few hours a year,” Mr Williams said. 

President of South Mandurah Junior Football Club, Nick Schoeffer, said he was proud his club took part in the program.

“By being a Good Sports club, we let our members know that the health and safety of our youngsters is of paramount importance to us, and that by being a partner with Good Sports, we are well placed to ensure the kids at our club will be both looked after and educated in healthy behaviours,” he said.

Mandurah Volleyball Association also signed onto the program, President Charlie Grigio said the program was something to share around. 

“Thanks to Goods Sports, we are proud to be associated with a leader in promoting healthy lifestyles in sport, over and above the tangible fitness benefits,” he said. 

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has been working with the City of Mandurah and local organisations in support of the Mandurah Community Youth Alcohol Strategy.

The strategy aims to reduce the harms caused by alcohol in the local community, with a focus on young people.

Sporting clubs wanting to join the Good Sports program will have the chance to hear more about the program next Wednesday, the City of Mandurah is hosting a free workshop at the Council building for those interested. 

Forum participants will also hear about the risks associated with supplying minors with alcohol.

‘Secondary supply’ is a key issue that the Mandurah Community Youth Alcohol Strategy is aiming to raise awareness of.

Local sporting clubs are also encouraged to visit the Good Sports stall at the Peel Sports Forum on 23 March.