The local club was recognised for its commitment to create healthy and safe environments for the sport.
Helen Dick, committee member at Western Magic, said her club endeavours to create a positive, safe and friendly environment for its members.
Western Magic AFC works through Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s ‘Good Sports program’, helping to break the link between alcohol and sport and handles sensitive subjects like illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.
The continued commitment towards the cause has earned Western Magic AFC the national ‘2024 Good Sports New Club of the Year’ title.
The club’s efforts are aimed at reducing harm caused by substance abuse, thereby creating a much safer club environment.
“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate recognition for clubs leading the way. They celebrate success, highlight the volunteers who are the backbone of community sport, and give winning clubs the recognition they deserve. This year’s winners should be incredibly proud of their achievements,” said Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s NSW Manager, Allison Reid.
Reid also emphasised on Western Magic being a shining example of the Good Sports program, an initiative which is helping to build a healthier sporting nation by supporting clubs bring on positive change, shape healthier behaviours and build stronger communities.
The club officials couldn’t agree more.
“We joined Good Sports to give us the support we needed to manage difficult issues around alcohol, drugs and mental health, that we encounter as a club based in a diverse community with a lower socioeconomic demographic,” says Helen.
The officials further added that as a small senior’s club with limited resources and an active liquor licence for home games, they simply want to ensure that they are proactively working towards the safety of their members, and at the same time creating a healthy club culture.
What really helped Western Magic was the opportunity to connect with and learn from other clubs at Good Sports workshops. With online resources at their perusal, they are now confident of delivering best-practices, role modelling healthy behaviours as a club.
They are actively connected, engaged and support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
About Good Sports
Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program, building strong, sustainable community clubs for more than 25 years. Supporting more than 12,000 clubs nationwide, including over 3,200 in NSW, Good Sports helps create better environments for players, volunteers, supporters, and officials by addressing key issues like alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, smoking, vaping, mental health, and safe transport.
