June 18th, 2024Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club joins cultural change program
The Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club will participate in the Act@Play cultural change initiative this year following its successful application to be part of the program.
Delivered by Women’s Health Grampians (WHG) in partnership with Council, Act@Play is a gender equality, cultural change initiative that recognises the power that regional sporting clubs have to influence attitudes and beliefs about what is acceptable behaviour.
Hepburn Shire Council mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the program aims to develop and deliver culture change programs that support clubs to develop welcoming and inclusive environments for all genders.
“This is achieved through education and empowering leaders on and off the field and we’re excited to be working with the soccer club to achieve this,” Cr Hood said.
“Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club submitted an excellent EOI noting that working in the space of gender equality is a key priority area for the club’s leadership.
“Their club’s commitment ensures women’s participation and visibility in the club and the game will not be an afterthought, and the club should be commended for that. Their participation in Act@Play is a good and strong fit,” said Cr Hood.
Renee Smith from DHUSC says, “Creating a safe, respectful and inclusive culture and playing environment has been a core priority of the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club for many years.
The club is reported to be thrilled to be selected to be part of the Act@Play program in 2024 and work alongside Women’s Health Grampians to promote and further embed gender equality outcomes within our club community.
The Act@Play program furthers the club’s recent achievements of 44% female participation for the 2024 season.
The club has been named only the 50th regional club in Australia to receive 1-star ‘Club Changer’ accreditation by Football Australia.
The club will now commence a six-month intensive program facilitated by Women’s Health Grampians.
Partnering with the club and with Women’s Health Grampians, the council will share outcomes and to inform future opportunities for other local sporting clubs.
