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The Victorian Government has announced a partnership with sporting organisations to establish a new Sports Alliance to support at-risk youth.

Backed by $1.4 million in funding from the Victorian 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 (Basketball Victoria, Chief Executive), Dave Donaghy (Melbourne Storm, Chief Executive), Peter Filopoulos (Football Victoria, Chief Executive), Rosie King (Netball Victoria, Chief Executive), Sam Graham (Head of States and Game Development, AFL) and Victorian Minister for Community Sport and Youth Ros Spence.

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.

Pickett commented “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 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.

Victorian Minister for Crime Prevention and Youth Justice Ben Carroll notes “we’re partnering with Victoria’s major sporting leagues and using sport to help turn around the lives of young people in the justice system.

Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth Ros Spence added “the Sports Alliance presents a new and exciting opportunity to build strong community connections and help change the lives of young Victorians.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula also advised that “it’s this kind of community leadership and collaboration that helps us build safer and stronger communities.”

Melbourne Storm Chief Executive Dave Donaghy highlighted “Melbourne Storm is a club that aims to be leaders on and off the field - through this partnership we hope to inspire and help young people to reach their potential and become leaders in their own right.”

Captain of the Melbourne Vixens Kate Moloney also noted “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.”

Image courtesy of Melbourne Storm 

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