Heath Black of St Kilda fame will visit Barooga tomorrow night to share some life lessons with local youth.
V/Line’s Life Training session at Barooga Recreation Reserve from 6.30pm is part of a nation-wide tour educating young sports players about responsible behaviour and decision making.
Barooga Football Netball Club general manager Carmen O’Dwyer said as Barooga’s senior football side was especially young, the program’s messages couldn’t be more relevant.
‘‘We have a really young side — it’s kids playing against men,’’ O’Dwyer said.
‘‘We have worked extensively with these kids in doing pre-season training but this session extends a little bit more and offers knowledge and assistance for us as a club.’’
The event is compulsory for all underage Barooga netballers and footballers.
Tocumwal and Cobram clubs have also been invited and O’Dwyer extended an invitation to all clubs and residents who believe they would benefit from the free event.
The session’s theme is ‘Understanding Alcohol’ and the stigma attached to country football is something the club aims to change.
‘‘Country football is a social outing — it’s been that way for a very long time,’’ O’Dwyer said.
‘‘We have been careful with our social functions in trying to make sure activities are there to support the outing and it not just be a drinking session.
‘‘We are trying to make it more about group bonding, especially because we have a young side.’’
Jacqui Buchanan, a 17-year-old B-grade netballer, said young people were more concerned with other things.
‘‘Generally people are more interested in other life and social areas rather than playing sport,’’ she said.
‘‘(Through this program) the club will see how to manage different situations and avoid getting into some other situations.’’
Phoebe Noble, 15, and Harison Foster, 16, agreed underage drinking was the biggest social issue in Cobram-Barooga.
Daniel Johnston, 13 said the session may help prevent problems down the track.
‘‘Kids our age can learn how to behave and use alcohol properly when they are old enough,’’ he said.
Chloe Anthony plays under-15s for Barooga and the 13-year-old hopes to learn how improve her game.
‘‘We might get to learn things that may help us in game situations and preparations,’’ she said.
‘‘We will learn from an AFL player and how to deal with problems in life.’’
V/Line Life Training sessions have visited many Murray League clubs since 2007 including Cobram, Echuca and Congupna.
‘‘Only good things can come from sessions like this,’’ O’Dwyer said.
Last Modified on 02/05/2013 10:34