Testimonials

Testimonials - Victoria   

"Clubs have a tremendous responsibility today and I think parents expect that, when their young daughter or son goes to a club, it is going to be a responsible one.  The way you manage your social part of the club, is just as important as your on-field performance."

Bill Lawry, former Australian Cricket Captain 

"Drinking has significant links with poor health, accidents and injury, assaults and even death.  Recent research indicates that drinking may post unique hazards for young people.....Often, being young means feeling bullet-proof.  Unfortunately the false bravado of alcohol tends to fuel this misperception.....On the one hand we have alcohol shown to be a socially acceptable and desirable part of adult life.  On the other hand we have alcohol shown to be a significant risk for our health and wellbeing.

We also need to get the message across that irresponsible drinking, by anyone at any age, is not okay.  It is dangerous and harmful and can have devastating repercussions.....Studies from La Trobe University show that the Good Sports Program is having an enormous impact on participating communities with a significant reduction in violence, drink-driving and property damage."

Senator the Hon Rod Kemp, Former Minister for Arts and Sport

Peter McDougall, Club Development Manager, AFL Victoria

"Football Federation Victoria (FFV) (formerly Victorian Soccer Federation) has been an active partner of the Good Sports program here in Victoria for the past few years. We have promoted the Good Sports message of 'Responsible Serving of Alcohol' as well as our member clubs being aware of their duties and responsibilities under the Liquor Licensing regulations.

FFV with the assistance of the Good Sports management and Project Officers have used our Club Information Forums as a means to address FFV's member clubs and associations about the program and its benefits.

There are currently 56 soccer clubs in Victoria who are at various levels of accreditation within the Good Sports program and it is our target to have all clubs within the program over the next 5 years, through the 10 Point Charter of Excellence club scheme."

George Angelopoulos, Head of Business Affairs, Football Federation Victoria (May 2006)

"At the request of the senior players this year's presentation evening was combined with the seniors and juniors for the first time in the Club's history at the club rooms.  Usually, seniors' presentations are held at the local pub and the juniors have a day at the clubrooms.  This past year however saw the three teams have a combined evening with over 100 people in attendance and all who attended thought the evening was a great success.  The Club continued the push with its junior development, even having the Senior Captain present the juniors with their awards.

A local businessman, whose son participates in the juniors, was so impressed with the presentations and the interaction between the juniors and senior players he donated $500 towards junior development for the Club.  With more junior players around the club, the senior players have understood, and now have a greater awareness of, the importance of portraying a responsible and healthy club culture."

Bill Drummond, President, Avoca Cricket Club

"During the past five years I have witnessed considerable improvements in alcohol management practices at numerous sporting clubs throughout the State, and firmly believe that the Good Sports Program is largely responsible for this.  Sporting clubs are now becoming far more family-orientated and community-conscious, which is to the benefit of all."

Colin Mann, Former Project Manager Harm Minimisation Education and Training (HMET)

"The Good Sports Program has been an extremely positive innovation within the City of Casey..... Those clubs who have embraced the program have demonstrated a number of benefits, particularly in becoming more family focused.....and assisting clubs to maximise the social and health benefits of the program.....has enabled clubs to focus on alternative methods of generating funds, with a lesser reliance on alcohol sales.  

James Rouse, Team Leader Leisure, City of Casey

Testimonials – South Australia

"The Good Sports Program is a terrific example of a grass-roots, community-based initiative.  Sporting clubs, via their management teams, players, spectators and supporters, can make a real contribution to ensuring we have safer drivers on our roads"

Noelene Henry, Board Director Mount Gambier and District Baseball League

"The Good Sports Program helps clubs create more family-friendly venues by improving the management of alcohol in their venues to reduce binge drinking, drink driving, violence and verbal abuse.  The program is also good for the financial health of sporting clubs as well as the physical health of their members"

Lea Stevens, Health Minister

Testimonials - New South Wales

"It is no longer appropriate for heavy drinking and sport to go hand in hand. Bega Valley Shire Council supports Good Sports because we recognise the health and community benefits of fostering positive sporting environments."

Cr. David Hede, Mayor, Bega Valley Shire Council  

"Kiama Council's award-winning Public Health Plan – recognised by the World Health Organisation - aims to build a safe and healthy community.  Good Sports has been included as a strategy of the Plan because it assists our community sports clubs develop safer and friendlier environments and Council has seen the benefit this will provide in terms of community participation, health and safety."

Cr. Sandra McCarthy, Mayor, Kiama Municipal Council

"Alcohol is a major factor in community-based crime.  Good Sports has been included in Council's Crime Prevention Strategy to assist community sporting clubs serve and manage alcohol within the law.  Bega Valley's Good Sports clubs have taken a leadership position in our community and have built strong relationships within council, businesses and schools."

Mr. Jeff McKenzie, Crime Prevention Officer, Bega Valley Shire Council

"I support Good Sports and any move to reduce the effects of excessive alcohol consumption by spectators and players on game day and at social functions."

Mr. Andrew Constance, Federal Member for Bega

"Reducing the effect of alcohol and drug abuse on our community has been a key aim of Council’s Safer Communities Campaign and our Good Sports partnership will enhance the campaign, broaden its reach and lower alcohol-related crimes such as drink driving, violence and assault.”

Mr. Martin Millgate, Safer City Coordinator, Shellharbour City Council