The “Let Us Play” initiative is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive atmosphere in local sports for all participants, regardless of their abilities, needs, and reasons for engaging in sports.
History of Let Us Play:
In 2023, The Latrobe Health Assembly-funded the Let Us Play Campaign as part of the Increasing Access to Sport project which identified a range of barriers at play for community sport participation, including time constraints, travel requirements and participation costs.
Importantly, though, it found the community sporting club environment was highly influential in youth participation and retention. Social and performance-related pressures figured heavily in the reasons why young people quit sport and data shows that once they disengage, it’s incredibly difficult to get them back.
In 2024:
GippSport is pushing the message out beyond the Latrobe Valley. We encourage any sporting club across Gippsland to embrace the message and use a range of ready-made promotional materials and resources to help clubs set expectations around codes of conduct, spectator behaviour and attitudes towards officials.
The end goal is to retain our members and attract more, especially young people. We want to work with 15 clubs across Gippsland to spread this message and aim to retain and increase participation at your club.
What Benefits Does Your Club Receive?
Your club will benefit from a personalised strategy developed in collaboration with our team, including:
- Crafting and sharing social media content, leveraging “Let Us Play” themed posts and images.
- Posting video messages from your leaders on your social platforms.
- Displaying posters at your club premises.
- Offering guidance through tip sheets for club representatives.
- Organising in-person workshops for coaches, players, and volunteers.
Resources
We have a library of resources available on our website. Click Here to access:
- Videos to share on your socials or newsletters
- Club script to share the message on your social media, at club events and meetings.
- Tip sheets for coaches, parents and club committees
- Posters
- TV artwork
So this season, let’s remember, it’s not the Olympics, it’s not the World Cup, it’s not the AFL, it’s community sport. Let them play.
Sign Up
To join the initiative and make a difference in your community, simply click here or fill out the form below:
For More Information
For further details, please reach out to relevant Coordinator in your area.
Rachel Ronaldson (East Gippsland & Wellington)
e | rachel@gippsport.com.au
m | 0476 000 304
Joella Hanson (Baw Baw & Latrobe)
e | joella@gippsport.com.au
m | 0476 002 557
Gene Parini (Bass Coast & South Gippsland)
e | gene@gippsport.com.au
m | 0428 358 335
