Clubs spread road safety message and benefit from funding

One of the biggest funding programs benefiting grassroots footy in Victoria is back in 2023, with community clubs given the opportunity to share in $600,000 of investment through the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program.

AFL Victoria has spoken to a number of community football clubs about what the program means to their club and how they’ve benefited from the program, with applications in 2023 open until August.

Matthew McCubbin, President of the Mitcham Football Club, says the program aligns to the club’s objective to spread an important message in their community.

How did your club originally get involved with the TAC Club Rewards program?

Before the program was launched our club made a conscious effort to align ourselves with the TAC as a community partner. Their messaging aligns with our own core values while the demographic within our club is an important age group when it comes to road safety education. We then found out about the (Club Rewards) program from our league and decided to get involved.

What motivated your club to get involved in the TAC Club Rewards Program?

As a football club we are extremely aware of our responsibilities within our local community to educate our players, staff and members on the dangers that are associated with being on our roads. We have a duty of care to protect not only our own but others that share the roads. We have one of the most important demographics when it comes to road safety, that being young male drivers who are easily distracted from their responsibilities when it comes to road safety.

Many years ago I lost one of my best mates in an accident due to drink driving and have seen first hand the effects a loss of life can have on family, friends and those who are involved through no fault of their own.

How does the message of road safety connect with your club’s values?

Our club values are based on "family" and "community" which directly links to road safety and the effects it can have on the local community. We have a strong culture of looking out for each other in every aspect of life but in particular making sure everyone involved is part of a safe environment.

What has your club been able to do with the funds you’ve received in the past?

We have not received any funding from the program so far but we will invest whatever funding becomes available back into the club with the purchase of equipment for our members and players.

Do you have any tips for clubs who are wanting to engage with the TAC Club Rewards Program?

Clubs that want to get involved in this program will benefit by inviting the conversation on road safety internally within the club. It's amazing how quickly your players and staff are willing to become actively involved and how engaged your members and supporters are when you promote the program on your social media platforms.

The TAC’s AFL Victoria Club Rewards Program will be open for applications until August and more information is available at www.aflvic.com.au/TACClubRewards.