- Football West to deliver community education program to 240 WA clubs
- $550,000 two-year Healthway partnership will promote healthy and smoke-free lifestyle
Health Minister Roger Cook has announced a two-year $550,000 partnership between Healthway and Football West to improve club environments for children and young people to play sport in.
The health of players, coaches, referees, volunteers and the wider football community is the focus of the Healthy Footballer, Healthy Community program, which will see the Smarter than Smoking message promoted to more than 240,000 people State-wide.
The program aims to reinforce the link between playing sport and being healthy, and provides practical skills and resources to promote a smoke-free and healthy lifestyle.
Educational sessions will be delivered to more than 9,000 Football West stakeholders, engaging about 240 local clubs across a mix of traditional football competitions and social football programs.
The program also provides opportunities for people who may not otherwise be able to participate in sport or other physical activity, through Football West's Inclusive Program. This unique program involves more than 10,000 participants with disability, and people who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
The value of playing football extends beyond promoting healthy lifestyles, it also provides children and young people with a supportive and inclusive community.
Clubs will be encouraged to provide fruit and vegetables rather than lollies at half time and after the game, and appoint club ambassadors to ensure grounds continue to be smoke-free.
Smoking is still a major cause of disease and illness in the community, and preventing exposure among children and young people is a priority for Healthway.
As noted by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"Providing healthy lifestyle education through sporting clubs is a great way to encourage young people to make informed choices about their health in a supportive environment, while they are enjoying physical activity.
"Partnerships like the one between Football West and Healthway are vital for fostering healthy young people and building a healthier WA."
