IMPACT
Our players have significantly higher rates of homelessness, unemployment and drug and alcohol abuse compared to Victorian and National averages. Participants involved with the Collingwood Magpies Community Football program will be offered inclusion that has facilitated life-changing opportunities and paved pathways for positive change. The Collingwood Magpies Community Football program improves participants economic, health and social outcomes.
ECONOMIC
The social return on investment for the Reclink Australia structured sport program indicates that for every $1 invested in cash, staff time, volunteer time and other resources, it generates at least $8.94 in social value through crime reduction, employment outcomes and skill development.
HEALTH
Participation in regular, high intensity physical activity has a positive impact on both physical and mental health outcomes. At the Collingwood Magpies Community Football program, we combine the physical benefits of participation in AFL with other social supports, providing participants with the opportunity to improve their wellbeing through nutrition, drug and alcohol treatment, anger management, and access to housing and mental health services.
SOCIAL
The Collingwood Magpies Community Football program provides a sense of belonging and trust from participating ‘in something bigger than oneself’. This is referred to as Social Capital, which involves the diffusion of knowledge about health promotion, maintenance of healthy behavioral norms and access to various services. Participation in sporting programs promotes social connectedness, provides a platform for social interventions and opportunities for teamwork, leadership and conflict resolution.
