Young Footballers Drive Home Off-Field Wins

06 Sep 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 6 September 2010

Three TAC Cup football teams scored big off-field wins last night when they were named joint winners of the Transport Accident Commission's L120 Program Recognition Award at Etihad Stadium.

The North Ballarat Rebels, Western Jets and Northern Knights were recognised for their contributions to influencing road safety in their local communities.

The clubs have been involved in all aspects of the TAC's "120 hours, experience not excuses" program which included creating a road safety commercial, holding a parent road safety briefing and obtaining their learners permits.

Western Jets' players, who train in Altona North, created a road safety commercial focusing on risk-taking, made in partnership with Essendon Keilor College VCE students.

The Rebels, who are based in Ballarat but field players from across Western Victoria including Horsham, Stawell and Warrnambool, held a parent briefing night attended by more than 150 people and created an ad focusing on the importance of practicing driving in all weather conditions.

Success has come both on and off-field for the Preston-based Knights, with almost all of their players achieving their learner permit and finishing the season second on the ladder. They actively contributed to all TAC Cup programs including holding a driving rally from Sunshine to a match in Geelong, which saw them kick eight goals to nothing in the first quarter of play.

The Oakleigh Chargers and Gippsland Power received Highly Commended awards.

The winning clubs each received a $1500 prize, accepted by their Region Managers at last night's Morrish Medal Vote Count.
The TAC's Road Safety Manager Samantha Cockfield said the L120 Program was part of the TAC Cup partnership with AFL Victoria, under which the players were encouraged to practice their skills on the roads as well as on the football field.

"In addition to creating a road safety commercial, every team's players logged their driving practice hours on the team tally board as they built up to 120 hours practice and ultimately, getting their license," Ms Cockfield said.

"The TAC has continued to develop innovative ways to deliver practical road safety messages and enhance young drivers' awareness of staying safe behind the wheel.

"This partnership is critical in reducing road trauma among young drivers, who are still well over-represented in road trauma."

Ms Cockfield said acknowledged the winning teams for their enthusiasm for the L120 Program, going over and above requirements to engage their community in road safety activities.

Media contact: Sarah Campbell ph: 5225 6464 or 0429 294 262.