It’s that time of year; boots are strapped back on, head gear is ready, balls are packed, and the warm up begins.
Across sporting codes and competitions, the summer season is in full swing, winter competitions are getting ready and year-round sports are back in action.
As the 2026 year of sport gets under way, local sporting clubs, associations and classes are being offered a free program to help ensure that young people are equipped with more than their gear; bringing youth wellbeing and drug and alcohol harm prevention to the forefront.
Sports Aware, the Youth Solutions project with Wests Group Macarthur is rolling out for 2026, and is again offering participants information around drug and alcohol harms and effects, normalising help seeking and building connections to community and support.
The free program is delivered with sporting clubs and codes across Macarthur and Wingecarribee via youth health promotion workshops or outreach activities at game days, classes and training sessions.
The project also includes a robust supporter campaign, providing resources and information for parents, carers, coaches and sporting club staff to better equip them to support their young people.
Youth Solutions chief executive officer Geraldine Dean says it’s heartening to see the meaningful impact the project has had over the past few years.
“Sports Aware has proven to be a vital avenue for young people engaged with sport to access drug, alcohol and wellbeing information and increase their connections to support,’’ she said.
“The project’s supporter campaign is also ensuring those around young people have access to what they need to support their young people.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Wests Group Macarthur, our Sports Aware project partner and Youth Solutions corporate partner, for their ongoing support and funding which make this important project possible.
“Wests Group Macarthur renewed that support again late last year, meaning we can continue to deliver this amazing project for our local sporting community in 2026.
“If you’re keen to support your young sportspeople beyond the field, pitch or wherever they perform, now is the time to reach out and chat to our team.”
Sports Aware offers workshops, outreach and activities which cover topics such as:
- Drugs and alcohol: safety, harms and effects
- Accessing help and support services
- Identifying positive role models
- Supporting young people with drug, alcohol or wellbeing issues
Wests Group Macarthur chief executive officer Daniel Perkiss said he was proud to see the ongoing project and partnership kicking goals for the community.
“Our partnership with Youth Solutions is a fine example of our commitment to supporting and empowering the community,” Mr Perkiss said.
“We’re proud to partner with Youth Solutions for the Sports Aaware project because we can see the positive impact it has on our young sportspeople and the wider community. It’s a great feeling knowing that together we are helping our young people to be safe and healthy.”
