On Thursday, 13 March 2025, SportWest’s True Sport team proudly presented at the Every Club Forum hosted at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries offices in Leederville, delivering a dynamic session focused on building safer, more respectful sporting environments across Western Australia.
The presentation explored four key initiatives under the True Sport banner:
- Child Safeguarding
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Sideline Behaviour
- Respectful Relationships
Attendees, ranging from club volunteers and administrators to local government representatives, were guided through practical strategies to embed these principles into club culture. The session emphasised the importance of creating environments where children feel safe, athletes are supported mentally and emotionally, and all participants are treated with respect both on and off the field.
The True Sport Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative provides clubs with access to tailored resources that support community sport. These include mental health awareness campaigns, referral pathways to professional support, and tools to help clubs foster psychologically safe environments. The True Sport Child Safeguarding Initiative offers policy templates, training modules, and practical guidance to help clubs implement child-safe practices, respond to concerns appropriately, and build a culture of trust and protection.
The True Sport Sideline Behaviour Initiative addressed the impact of spectator conduct on young athletes, coaches, and officials, encouraging clubs to promote positive, respectful engagement from the sidelines. Meanwhile, the True Sport Respectful Relationships Initiative focused on fostering inclusive, values-driven interactions within clubs, helping to build stronger, more connected communities.
The presentation also highlighted the resources available to clubs through SportWest's True Sport program, including:
- Safeguarding and wellbeing toolkits
- Policy templates and training modules
- Mental health awareness campaigns
- Inclusion and diversity support
- Advocacy and representation at state and national levels
True Sport’s values - Support, Protect, Opportunity, Respect and Transform were woven throughout the session, reinforcing the message that sport is not just about competition, but about character, connection, and community.
For more information on upcoming workshops and resources, or if your organisation is interested in a similar session, contact our True Sport team via email truesport@sportwest.com.au
