Enjoying a beer and hot chips while watching soccer is a thing of the past for supporters of one Whittlesea club, with its committee banning junk food and alcohol from the home ground.
Sporting Whittlesea made the decision last month to make its Thomastown base an alcohol and junk food-free zone after hiring a nutritionist and yoga teacher to improve the health and wellbeing of its players.
President Paul DiBlasi said it was an easy decision for the club, and had the backing of coaches and parents.
The change has resulted in the introduction of a healthy canteen at RGC Reserve.
“Good coffee” will be offered as an alternative to alcohol.
“Our head coach [Tomas Kovar} was a barista many moons ago, so he is very passionate about good coffee,” Mr DiBlasi said.
“When our new facilities open in May, we will be able to have kids in the kitchen learning how to make meals.”
To help players and their families embrace the change, the club will also run nutrition workshops for parents. Mr DiBlasi said these sessions will discuss children’s diets and advise on what they should be eating before matches.
“We are becoming more involved in the nutrition and wellbeing of the players,” he said.
“Our primary aim [is] being able to help young people grow and develop to their fullest potential in a safe and enjoyable environment.
“We are hoping it will be a long-term change.”
Mr DiBlasi said the ban was already influencing families, with one dad reporting that soft drink had been banished from his fridge and replaced with water and coconut water.
He hopes other clubs will take notice of what Sporting Whittlesea is doing, and follow suit.
