Creating champions off the field
Junior rugby league isn’t just about tactical plays and kicking techniques – at the Eagleby Giants Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC), members also learn about life lessons.
The club has become a force for good in the community by creating a safe space for young people and hosting workshops that tackle topics such as mental health and substance abuse.
These initiatives were recognised by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s National Good Sports Program in 2021, when the club won the Junior Club of the Year and Sports Club of the Year awards.
The awards celebrate sporting clubs that share resources and employ strategies to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs.
Now 3 years later, the club continues to make a positive impact in Eagleby and is a great example for other Logan clubs to enter the 2024 Good Sports Awards.
Club president Arthur Joyce says the Eagleby Giants have worked hard to create a culture that not only develops good footballers, but also good people.
He believes this can be achieved by giving kids a sense of belonging and a safe space to connect with peers.
There have been numerous success stories of kids who have discovered newfound confidence, direction and purpose by helping out at the club.
Also important to Arthur is enforcing a firm no-alcohol policy, as early exposure to alcohol increase risk of harm to young people.
‘We believe everyone can thrive where they are, because once people start to achieve and be successful, they will raise up the whole community.’
Whenever Arthur sees kids walking and smiling with their heads held high, he feels like what they’re doing at the club is working.
This year, the Eagleby Giants are working on starting a Little League Stars holiday program over Christmas and a community darts club sometime next year.
‘It’s great to have been recognised with awards and such, but the thing we like most is just seeing the kids smiling and happy,’ Arthur says.
Good Sports supports and inspires 12,000 plus Australian community sporting clubs to set up a better environment for players, volunteers, supporters and officials, helping you to disrupt the link between alcohol and sport. Clubs also get help to tackle tricky topics such as drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.
Know of a Logan sports club that is making a positive difference in the community? Nominations close 28 November – apply now on the Good Sports Awards website.
Learn more about why it’s so important to keep young people safe on Youtube.
