Victor Harbor Football Club

Introduction / Club profile

Victor Harbor Football Club South Australia 90 km from Adelaide
260 members 85% Male, 15% Female 38% - under 1862% - over 18
2 seniors and 3 junior teams, Great Southern Football League
Reserves made the finals and A Grade finished 8th

History

Before being involved in the Good Sports Program the club was seen as a bit of a boys club and not really family friendly. The club had alcohol as prizes for players and was a smoking venue.

The club decided to get involved in the program to help improve the club’s image and promote a more family friendly atmosphere. The club was also looking at gaining sponsorship from the state government for improvements to their facilities, in the form of new lighting.

Craig Mann, club president said “We thought involvement in the Good Sports Program would help change the culture of the club to make us more family friendly. We also hoped that involvement in the program would show us as a responsible club with the aim of helping to secure some funding for new lighting. We are proud to be the first club in South Australia to reach level 2 accreditation”    

Key things the club did to create change?

The club made modifications to the club premise to make it smoke free, building an outside under cover area for smokers. This enabled the club to become smoke free ahead of the compulsory legislation and ahead of gaining level 2 accreditation. The club also made modifications to the bar, knocking down a wall and placing a new fridge in the bar area, to promote non alcohol and low alcohol alternatives.

Challenges & difficulties

When the club committee decided to become a smoke free club ahead of the mandatory legislation, it was not received well by some club members. By building a new under cover pergola for smokers and providing heaters, the smokers at the club actually enjoy the new area. Craig Mann, club president said “now many of the club members enjoy going outside to utilise the smoking area”

The Outcome – how the club has changed

Since becoming involved in Good Sports the club is now focussed on providing more sensible awards and vouchers for players as rewards for playing rather than alcohol. The club is now financially strong after being nearly broke 3 years ago, the club sees Good Sports as being an important part of this change with an increase of sponsorship at the club.

Craig Mann, club president said “the club has looked at alternative ways of raising money, that don’t just revolve around alcohol since being involved in the Good Sports program. We now sell signage around the oval and put together a football budget selling space in it to advertisers, this has enabled us to increase profits to the club.”

The club has recently received funding for new lighting. Craig Mann, club president said “ I am sure that our involvement in the good sports program has assisted us in this venture and we see this as a reward for our involvement as well as the ongoing changes that are taking place around the club.”   

Craig Mann, president concluded that  “There has been a dramatic culture change at the club since becoming involved in the Good Sports program. There is now an increase in the number families and player partners socialising at the club due to a smoke free area being built outside and the promotion of meals.”