Western Bulldogs replicates LFC Foundation’s Men’s Programme
Western Bulldogs in Melbourne, Australia has launched a men’s health initiative following a visit from Liverpool FC Foundation.
Community coaches from the Foundation met with the Western Bulldogs as part of the Club's 2013 pre-season tour.
The Australian Football League Club has now launched their $1.2 million 'Sons of the West' initiative in alliance with the Foundation, which will promote healthier lifestyles and improved health for men aged 18 years and over living and working in Melbourne's West.
Liverpool FC Foundation has delivered a successful, targeted men's health programme in local communities across Liverpool for more than eight years.
The programme, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of male residents aged 18 years +, was created in response to the high levels of poor health across the Liverpool city region.
Targeting the key risk factors that contribute to the levels of poor health through the delivery of free sessions, the programme helps to improve access to information, increase public health engagement and encourage sustainable health improvement.
All of this offered the Bulldogs a successful platform to base their 'Sons of the West' initiative on.
'Sons of the West' will use a similar format to the Foundation to tackle the health challenges faced by men in Melbourne's West through free health checks, education sessions and men's health events.
Western Bulldogs President, Peter Gordon, said: "There are all sorts of challenges, especially for men after they've reached 40, to stay fit and healthy.
"We get affected by career change, family issues and the pressures of modern living. But one constant in all our lives is footy. Sons of the West is about using football to create good health outcomes which are also fun and create friendships."
Mark Haig, Head of Operations at Liverpool FC Foundation, added: "following LFC's tour of Melbourne in 2013 we identified the Bulldogs enthusiasm to have a similar positive impact on the lives of the men who live locally.
"Our collaborative alliance is a great example of a tangible legacy of that tour programme. Two clubs. Two communities. One aim. Better men's health."