Cricket Victoria's Social Sixes deliverer Nick Impink said delivering a social participation program, such as Social Sixes, provided an opportunity for people to try new sports or continue to participate in a fun and social atmosphere.
He said by partnering with a local club to deliver a social participation program, a pathway is created for those participants who are interested in transitioning into more competitive opportunities.
“We make sure they have a female cricket team so then we get new friends and feel a bit more comfortable,” Impink said.
Shepparton United female participation officer Maxine Piggott said these programs also provided opportunity for social connection and increasing mental health and wellbeing.
“It's great for mental health and you're getting out there and engaging with other people,” Piggott said.
Social participation programs and the Doing Sport Differently principles were created to help clubs and organisations to attract, engage, and retain less active Victorians in sport.
VicHealth chief executive Sandro Demaio said people might be less active due to a number of reasons including time commitments, change of life circumstances and prior experiences.
“We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome to be active in their community,” Demaio said.
“VicHealth is excited to support Valley Sport to provide more diverse and social activities in the Goulburn Valley.”
Valley Sport can assist clubs with designing and delivering social participation programs to engage and retain new or less active participants using the Doing Sport Differently principles.
● For more information, visit: valleysport.net.au/about-us/contact-us/ or phone 5831 8456.
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