Melbourne University Women’s FC recognised in Good Sports Awards

Vice President of Melbourne University Women’s Football Club, Terri O’Reilly, was named Victoria’s Good Sports Volunteer of the Year today, for making the club stronger and more inclusive, by going above and beyond the usual undertakings of a volunteer.

“Since stepping into the role of Vice President last year, Terri has not only played throughout the season, but has developed policies and strategies for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, First Nations recognition and Mental Health education,” said President Maddie Sheedy.

“Terri leads with inclusion and prioritises making sure everyone is safe and welcomed in our club. She takes her time to listen and respect the voices and thoughts of those around her, and makes wonderful connections with people she meets,” Maddie added.  

The club was also named runner-up for the 2022 Victorian Good Sports Club of the Year Award. Having reached the highest level of the Good Sports program, the club has policies that cover alcohol and tobacco management, illegal drugs, mental health, and safe transport.

Melbourne Uni Women’s Football Club prides itself on its inclusive culture and mental health support, featuring dedicated Rounds that celebrate culture, promote inclusion, and raise awareness of mental health issues. The club also has Mental Health Support People, as part of its mental health strategy, accessible to its members thought the year.

The club is so proud of Terri and the club as a whole, and will continue to grow and learn as an organisation.

Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program and has been helping to build strong community sporting clubs across Australia for over 20 years. Managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Good Sports works with more than 10,000 community sporting clubs right across the country, supporting them to set-up better environments for players, volunteers, supporters and officials – helping tackle tricky topics such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.

Community sporting clubs are often at the heart of community and that they can play a really important role when it comes to modelling healthy behaviours and reducing and preventing the risk of alcohol and other drug harms.

The Good Sports Awards recognise the strong clubs and dedicated people who are passionate about their community, their members and making their club the very best it can be.  

The VAFA and Melbourne Uni Women’s Football Club thanks Good Sports for the incredible work they do, and for the resources they provide clubs. You can get involved today via their website: goodsports.com.au

Article originally published on Melbourne University Women’s Football Club website