Inclusive environment earns Geelong Rangers ‘Good Sports’ tag

GEELONG Rangers Soccer Club has been crowned Victorian Good Sports Club of the Year at the national awards in Canberra.

Good Sports clubs from across the country were yesterday honoured at Parliament House for their “commitment to building healthy and inclusive environments”.

Judges deemed Geelong Rangers worthy of the Victorian award for “inspiring positive change and building a healthy, family-friendly club”. It receives $500 for the title.

Secretary Lisa Brooks credited the Good Sports program for its support in making the club the inclusive place it is.

“Geelong Rangers Soccer

Club believes that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sport,” Brooks said.

“Good Sports helps us maintain a safe, all-inclusive, friendly environment where everyone can get involved.”

Geelong Rangers reached the highest level of the Good Sports program, implementing policies around alcohol management, tobacco and safe transport.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation, which oversees the awards, said the club was also committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for junior players, and promoting healthy food and drinks.

Passionate about inclusion,

Geelong Rangers welcomes players from refugee backgrounds and waives full registration fees for members who are unable to afford the cost of playing.

It was one of the inaugural clubs in the All Abilities League in Geelong and recently introduced a new soccer program in conjunction with

Sporting Network for Autistic Players and Parents (SNAPP) and Football Victoria.

In Victoria, Good Sports is funded by the Federal Government and Transport Accident Commission.

Good Sports is Australia’s largest and longest-running health initiative in community sport.