The Victorian Government is joining forces with the state’s top sporting leagues to help at-risk young people stay on the right track.
Minister for Crime Prevention, Ben Carroll, announced over the weekend the establishment of a new Sports Alliance between sporting organisations and the Labor Government.
Backed by $1.4 million in funding from the government, the Alliance will focus on supporting at-risk youth and addressing the causes of crime. It will deliver programs focused on engaging young people, building community connections, and supporting young offenders to turn their lives around.
Sports Alliance members include Nick Honey (CEO, Basketball Victoria), Dave Donaghy (CEO, Melbourne Storm), Peter Filopoulos (CEO, Football Victoria), Rosie King (CEO, Netball Victoria), Sam Graham (Head of States and Game Development, AFL), and Minister for Community Sport and Youth, Ros Spence.
2019 Melbourne Vixens Captain, Kate Moloney, was in attendance at Saturday's announcement to signify Netball Victoria's involvement in the Alliance.
“Sport is much more than just physical activity, it provides young people with a sense of belonging and skills like teamwork, self-control and leadership.”
The Sports Alliance will also provide opportunities for sportspeople to contribute as mentors or program facilitators. This approach has won the support of Richmond AFL player Marlion Pickett, who has demonstrated the power of sport in turning around lives.
“I know firsthand that sport can change your life and provide opportunities that you never dreamed were possible – it helped me turn my life around and it could do the same for countless young people.”
An initial focus will be on developing online resources to support vulnerable young people and communities, with community programs and initiatives to be developed as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions continue to ease.
The Alliance will support the establishment of Sports Academies in Victoria’s youth justice centres. This will see all young people in custody enrolled in either basketball, AFL, soccer, rugby league or All Abilities fitness programs.
