The City in the Community (CiTC) initiative ‘Man Up: Creating Respectful Relationships’ has launched the evaluation report for the pilot program, which aims to promote healthy relationships, respect, and gender equality. The initiative, funded by the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Grant, was rolled out through Victorian community settings, primary and secondary schools.
CiTC Young Leaders and football coaches delivered the program, which included contributions from A-League Women’s star Laura Hughes, Melbourne City’s Powerchair champion Shaun Millett, and A-League Men’s teams. The program targeted adolescents, with a specific focus on multicultural youths using sports as a hook to get youths interested in participating.
Important findings from the initiative’s evaluation were that there was a demonstrated shift in masculine attitudes, youths exhibited positive impacts on Young Leaders and peer influences, leading to improved relationships.
Local state MPs and federal representatives supported the launch of the report findings. Tim Richardson MP (Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) spoke at the launch, emphasising the significant importance of addressing gender-based violence and shifting attitudes of adolescents.
Dr Pam Kappelides (La Trobe University) instructed the evaluation of the program and applauded the report for initiating critical conversations.
Women’s A-League Melbourne City player Laura Hughes spoke about her role and experience from participating as a Youth Leader.
“As a professional footballer, I hope I can positively impact young people’s lives in some way,” she said in a press release.
“I’ve especially enjoyed connecting with young men sharing some of the barriers female athletes face as well as the great opportunities we’re afforded here at City.”
Key recommendations found from the program:
- Extend the length of the program beyond one day in some cases
- Establish a long-term evaluation system
- Incorporate visual/interactive elements
- Evaluate program title change
- Source for experienced leaders/coaches
CiTC hopes to extend the initiative and seeks stakeholder and funder engagement. Victorian schools have reached out to CiTC to bring the program to their students in both primary and secondary schools.
The program successfully used football as a platform to engage youths in participating, actively engaging, and having critical conversations to understand the importance of promoting gender equality and healthy relationships among young people.
