VAFA partners with Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game program for the 2023 season.

The Foundation plays an important role in preventing and reducing gambling harm in the Victorian community.

The aim of the partnership is to create environments in which young people can enjoy sport free from gambling promotion and to raise awareness about the risks and negative consequences associated with gambling.

VAFA CEO Jason Reddick said the partnership was important for the league saying, “The connection with the Love the Game program is a perfect fit for our VAFA competition, as it aims to create a healthy and safe sporting environment for the young people in our community.”

“We look forward to working with the Foundation on a range of initiatives that will educate our Clubs and players about how to prevent gambling harm,” Mr Reddick said.

Welcoming VAFA to the program, Foundation CEO Shane Lucas commended the organisation for its commitment to community wellbeing saying, “Prolific gambling advertising in all media is leading young people to think that betting on sport is a safe and normal activity.”

“Love the Game encourages young people to enjoy playing, watching and otherwise participating in sport without focusing on the odds or even thinking about them, while also equipping them to think critically about betting,” Mr Lucas said.

The VAFA looks forward to working with the Foundation and being part of the Love the Game program.