With thousands of players, officials, volunteers and family members coming through its doors each week, Frankston District Netball Association (FDNA) takes its role as a community leader seriously.
FDNA has been part of the Frankston community for more than 60 years and has become one of the largest community sporting organisations in the region. As a representative of numerous affiliated clubs and hundreds of teams, FDNA is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for players, family, coaches, staff and volunteers.
One of the ways FDNA achieves this is through its long-standing commitment to the Love the Game, Not the Odds program. Supported by the Victorian Government, Love the Game helps reduce kids’ exposure to sports betting through partnerships with professional and community sporting clubs. With over 550 participating clubs across Victoria, Love the Game encourages clubs to keep the focus on participation, teamwork and enjoyment rather than betting.
Why it matters
It is easy to assume children are not exposed to or affected by gambling, but research shows otherwise.
- 29 per cent said they had gambled at least once.1
- Kids who are introduced to betting at an early age are more likely to experience problems with gambling as adults.2
- One in five adults who experience serious harm from gambling started before they turned 18.3
Add to this the normalisation of betting in Australian culture and all-pervasive gambling ads, and it’s easy to see how young people are being primed to believe gambling is risk-free and an easy way to make money.
Why FDNA backs Love the Game
As a community sporting association that nurtures young players and their passion for sport, the Love the Game program was a natural fit.
'As a focal point for large numbers of young people and their families, we recognised the importance of reducing exposure to gambling promotion and helping to keep the focus on participation, teamwork, community connection and enjoyment of sport,' said FDNA Marketing and Communications Manager, Rebecca Graham.
'Getting involved was an easy decision because the program provides practical resources that help reinforce the values we were already passionate about promoting.'
What it looks like on the ground
Love the Game messaging appears on the stadium's digital screens throughout competition days, tournaments and major events.
'The digital assets provided by the Love the Game program are professionally designed, easy to understand and require very little adaptation,' said Graham. 'They fit seamlessly into our existing digital communications and allow us to regularly refresh content without creating additional work for staff.'
FDNA also shares Love the Game content on its social media channels, so parents, volunteers and supporters see it away from the venue too.
Community support for Love the Game
Graham said the response from the community has been positive, even if people don't always comment on it.
'While many people may not actively comment on the campaign, the consistent visibility of the messaging helps normalise the idea that sport doesn't need gambling promotion or sponsorship to be successful or engaging.'
Start small
FDNA's advice to other associations and clubs is to begin with what you already have.
'You don't need a large marketing team or significant budget to make an impact,' said Graham. 'Even displaying the resources regularly helps reinforce positive messages within your sporting community.'
Here's how your club or association can get started:
- Sign up your club at lovethegame.vic.gov.au for access to free resources.
- Download the digital assets and add them to your screens, website, newsletter or socials and keep them in regular rotation.
- Get your club involved in Love the Game activities and competitions throughout the year.
As a proud Love the Game partner, Netball Victoria also encourages community clubs and affiliates to sign up to the program. By joining the movement, your club will be taking a stand against sports betting sponsorship and helping the next generation love the game, not the odds.
