AFL Victoria's competitions are lacing up this weekend for STEP BACK THINK’s Team Lace Up campaign.
The Team Lace Up campaign raises awareness of the causes and consequences of social violence by encouraging Australian sporting clubs of all codes, levels and ages to show their commitment to ending social violence by wearing orange laces.
In support of the campaign, a host of Peter Jackson VFL, Swisse VFL Women's and TAC Cup clubs have signed up along with more than 70 community football clubs to be part of the 40,000-strong movement to end social violence and wear orange laces this weekend.
The commitment shown by these clubs towards ending social violence is one all community sporting clubs should embrace, as they play a leading role in helping individuals form positive relationships with others.
By wearing orange laces across the weekend at VFL and TAC Cup level, it will stimulate conversation between coaches, friends and parents about the life-changing consequences a violent physical act can cause.
Since January 2016, there have already been eight lives lost to social violence, including 19-year-old Victorian footballer Patrick Cronin.
The effects of social violence are devastating and ripple through society, far beyond the immediate consequences for victims or perpetrators, and include one-punch assaults, pub brawls, street fights as well as interpersonal physical violence that occurs in a community setting.
AFL Victoria hopes the wearing of the orange laces across all corners of the State will bring the issue of street violence to the attention of all Victorians and help educate people about how to behave when confronted with a potentially explosive situation.
Clubs can share their involvement in the 2016 Team Lace Up campaign on social media using the hashtag #TeamLaceUp
Together we can build a safer and more respectful community.
Last Modified on 24/06/2016 12:51