Rovers and West say NO MORE

The NO MORE Campaign continues to gain momentum in Central Australian football circles with Rovers and West becoming the first AFLCA Premier League clubs to announce that they will support the NO MORE Campaign and implement in-house family violence action plans.   

Until now local club support for the campaign had been limited to Division 1 and 2 clubs Ti Tree, Laramba and Plenty Highway, the AFL Barkly’s Sporties Spitfires and the CAFC Redtails representative side.

West President Matt Creeper said the club’s commitment was a natural progression for a club that has always been mindful of trying to set standards that reflect community expectations.

“Football clubs do have some influence over the young men that play for them and we think that influence can be used to benefit the wider community by raising awareness about family violence issues,” said Creeper. 

“Wests are a club that encourages family involvement, so taking a stand against an issue that tears families apart is in our best interests as well as in the best interests of the community.” 

Rovers’ President Rob Clarke, who is also CAFC Redtails’ President, has already worked with the NO MORE Campaign on the Redtails’ Family Violence Action Plan, and said he can see the benefits of applying the same concept at local club level.

“The Redtails’ player education session was well received by the playing group and the NO MORE message can be further enhanced if AFLCA clubs also commit to an action plan,” said Clarke.

Central Australian based NO MORE Campaign workers Roy Arbon and Stan Coombe have been canvassing local sports clubs in an effort to convince them of the benefits to their club and the community that Action Plans can provide.

Arbon paid tribute to West and Rovers and said their willingness to work with NO MORE highlighted them as clubs with strong community minded leadership.

“It is great to see Premier League clubs getting involved with the campaign as they can spread the anti-violence message to a participation base that includes footballers from both town and the bush,” said Arbon.