Youth Solutions and Wests Group Macarthur have renewed their winning partnership to deliver the Sports Aware program in 2025.
The program was a gold medal initiative during 2023-2024, engaging with local sporting clubs to build skills, knowledge, and connections to prevent drug and alcohol harm and promote healthy behavior among young sports players.
With the new season of sport ready to launch, Youth Solutions CEO Geraldine Dean encouraged sporting clubs to book in early and secure their place for this year’s program delivery.
“Thanks to the support of Wests Group Macarthur the program is free for sporting clubs in the Macarthur and Wingecarribee areas,” Mrs Dean said.
“We honestly can’t think of a better way to invest in your young sports players than to offer drug, alcohol and wellbeing education.
“The program has topics on drug and alcohol education, safety and well-being, help-seeking and positive role models – all areas of vital importance to young people, and especially young athletes.
“If we can offer them information, skills and help build resilience, then we are setting them up to be successful in sport and life in general.”
Sports Aware aims to prevent young sports players from experiencing drug-and alcohol-related harm by educating and empowering them to be safe, and to keep others safe, around drugs and alcohol.
It also boosts the knowledge and skills of coaches, parents and carers to ensure they can confidently and effectively support their young players around drug and alcohol issues
Sports Aware is delivered via educational workshops for young sports players aged 12 – 17 years, interactive outreach activities at game days or training sessions, and information and resources for supporters (parents/carers and coaches).
Wests Group Macarthur CEO Daniel Perkiss said his organisation was delighted to be able to consolidate its partnership with Youth Solutions to continue delivery of Sports Aware.
“Our mission is to support and connect our community, and this program hits both our community responsibility and our sporting heart,” Mr Perkiss said.
“We throw our support wholeheartedly behind a program that focuses on and prioritises the health and wellbeing of our future sporting champions.”
Mr Perkiss encouraged all local sporting groups to take advantage of the free program and give their young sports stars a winning advantage.
“Sports Aware can be the difference between a positive choice and success or a decision that has lasting negative consequences,” he said.
“Last year every sport stakeholder involved in Sports Aware said they believed the program would help their young people make safer choices around drugs and alcohol.”
For more details visit youthsolutions.com.au/educators/sports-aware.
To book a Sports Aware program, call Emily on 02 4628 2319 or email emily@youthsolutions.com.au.
