Copyright 2008 Australian Drug Foundation. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are acknowledged and remain the property of their owners.
About Us
To view more information about the Good Sports program, please click here
North Sunshine Football Club |
|
The Club The North Sunshine Football Club of Phoenix Street, North Sunshine, hosts 160 club members. Most of the members are juniors however there are also a significant number of senior members. Members are predominantly male (85%), and range from 7 to 80 years of age. The club is affiliated with the Western Region Football League and Victorian Metropolitan Football League. The club boasts kitchen facilities, a canteen, a bar (with a restricted liquor licence), and a changeroom (male). They also have a function room with seating capacity of 100 -120, which is available exclusively for club members and club events. The Good Sports Program and North Sunshine Football Club Prior to becoming involved with Good Sports, the North Sunshine Football club reports that they had a rather 'boozy' reputation and were seen within the community as largely a male-oriented organisation. In addition, some members were drinking excessively and at harmful levels. Not many families or females were socialising at the club, none of their bar staff were trained in responsible serving, and they had no specific alcohol management policy. The club's committee recognised the need to foster an environment where the members felt safe, comfortable and at ease when visiting the club, and had begun working towards that end. They hoped that involvement with the Good Sports program would contribute to improving their image and reputation, and changing the culture of the club. In establishing an alcohol management policy and becoming accountable for their practices, they hoped to establish a more welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere, and in so doing gain a valuable edge over the many surrounding clubs in attracting more families and junior members. In addition they hoped that changes in their alcohol policy, with the backing of the Good Sports name, would lead members to the realisation that enjoyment does not depend on the amount of alcohol consumed. They also suggested that changes in the drinking behaviours of their members would benefit the local residents and community at large. Since the club became accredited they have increased their number of Responsible Serving of Alcohol trained staff from 7 to 19. They actively encourage members to designate drivers, to use taxis, and to leave their cars at the club overnight. They also offer meals for purchase during serving times. The club reports few problems in the establishment of criteria required for level 1 accreditation in the program. The only significant change they needed to make was in ceasing the sale of cigarettes. They had experienced a few problems with a minority of members surrounding the introduction of a no smoking policy, however the club reports that non compliance and objections have now ceased. Most members, players and supporters have been encouraging, and parents of younger members have particularly welcomed the move. The club feels the program has helped attract and retain members (particularly families), has increased the number of visitors to the club (especially female and families) and has benefited local residents and the community. The reputation of the club and the professionalism of bar staff have improved, and the level of drinking in club rooms has decreased. |
