Six clubs in the Great Southern have shared in more than $140,000 in sponsorship through the “Healthy Club” program managed by Sports Medicine Australia.

The project aims to assist local football clubs to implement and improve healthy initiatives.

The six clubs are North Albany, Albany and Railways from Albany, as well as Newdegate, Kojonup Junior Football Club and Ongerup.

They are among 200 sporting clubs that have been successful in gaining the sponsorship, with more than half of those being football clubs.

The funding is to be used to assist clubs to design, develop and implement healthy policies surrounding smoke-free environments, healthy eating options at all canteens, along with improved alcohol sale and consumption practices.

West Australian Football Commission director of football Grant Dorrington congratulated the football clubs and volunteers involved in securing the sponsorships.

He said he wholeheartedly supported the initiative to promote healthy environments.

“It’s fantastic to see that our community football clubs have made the effort to apply for this funding and meet the healthy club requirements,” Mr Dorrington said.

“Football is committed to helping the community and it is pleasing to note that the successful clubs will be bringing health messages to their community, which fits hand-in-hand with the WA Football Commission’s strategy.

“What better way to promote this than for the local community clubs to take the initiative,” he said.

The sponsorships will also assist clubs to provide training opportunities for volunteers in improved training and match day warm-up and cool down practices, first aid and injury management and purchase of new safety equipment.

According to Sports Medicine Australia’s Sponsorship Officer Fiona Boys said the sponsorship focussed on tobacco control, sun protection, injury prevention, healthy eating and sensible alcohol practices.

She said it allowed clubs to become actively involved in preventing injury and illness and providing a healthy environment.