FOOTBALL clubs produce many social and economic benefits to local communities such as Swan Hill, a world-first research project has revealed.
The Latrobe University study, the first ever to measure the social impact of a community sports club, estimated that for every $1 spent to run a club there was at least a $4.40 return in social value when it came to the increased social connectedness, wellbeing, mental health status, employment outcomes, personal development and physical health that clubs provided.
But in regional Victoria, clubs were also seen to be a “hub of the community”, often viewed by community members as central to shaping the identity of a township or area and important in supporting other community groups’ events and fundraising efforts.
AFL Central Murray’s regional operations manager David Alderuccio agreed with the findings, saying football and netball were a “huge” part of the community in Swan Hill and across the region.
“With all the volunteers, the administrators, coaches — basically anyone that’s involved in the leagues — there’s a sense of belonging and support,” he said.
For more on this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (March 2).
