Earlier this year a study was released by Latrobe University into the impact that local football clubs around Victoria have within their communities.
The Latrobe University research project, conducted in partnership with AFL Victoria and the AFL, found that community football clubs generate a range of positive effects for local communities, including heightened levels of physical and mental wellbeing, social interaction and economic activity.
Highlights of the study include:
- For every dollar spent on a community football club, at least $4.40 is returned in social value in terms of increased social connectedness, wellbeing, mental health status, employment outcomes, personal development and physical health.
- A football club’s reach is significant and extends beyond the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers within the club; for every one player, football clubs reach 10 people in their community.
- Football clubs provide individuals, particularly those aged 15-24, with significantly increased chances of securing employment via the social networks provided by the club.
- The self-reported mental health of people aged 18-24 associated with a football club is substantially higher than the general population.
Whilst this studies primary focus was around the football element it is important to understand the role that netball plays within our local communities too.
For a young female to be able to play on the same day at the same venue as other family members entices a fantastic family friendly environment that is at the heart of the community.
Having come from the sunshine state I haven’t been privy to the environment that having a football and netball club working together provides and to be honest I love it, the fact that you can watch either sport when there is a break in play, the crowd that supports both sports and seeing the jerseys, dresses and hoodies on all athletes is great.
The Interleague game was disappointing with our netballers not being able to showcase their skills on the grand stage, but we are hopeful that next year Ballarat will be very interested in having all teams football and netball play together. In saying that the A Grade team had a cracking Association Championships falling just short to O & M by 2 points in the Semi Final last weekend.
The GOTAFE GVFL and GVNL highlighted at the start of the year an opportunity for the two leagues to come together in the near future and become one identity. If clubs are able to work together for the betterment of both sports and the community, the leagues no doubt can do the same.
The GVNL has attended a board meeting this year and will attend a delegates meeting later on in the season to ensure they are aware of what is occurring within the clubs from a football perspective to enable to hopeful transition of one league to be as smooth as possible.
I want to thank GVNL President Jacqui Hudgson for the tireless work that her and her executive team are doing to ensure the netballers are being serviced at a high quality standard. I’m looking forward to working with all of the GVNL team with the upcoming blockbuster events inc Morrison and Wellman Medal and also the Finals series.
I encourage all lovers of sport if you get a chance go for a quick walk across to the netball courts and have a look at the quality of athletes that are running around who knows you might be watching the next Australia Diamonds superstar.
For the full version of the study click here
Last Modified on 27/09/2016 17:56
