Western Bulldogs back Sons of the West wellness program

The Western Bulldogs, Victoria University and Maribyrnong City Council, have partnered up to launch the ‘Sons of the West’ male health program – which aims to change men’s physical activity programs in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.

The free program aims to promote healthier lifestyles and improved health for men aged 18 years and over living and working in Melbourne’s West and has been backed by Western Bulldogs players, including Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney.

Introducing the Sons of the West program, which has been developed in partnership with English football giants Liverpool FC, Cooney explains that the program’s objective is simple, to help men who live or work in the west to improve their health and subsequently their quality of life.

Cooney explained “it’s a great initiative by the Club, working with our partners in Liverpool FC just to help men who live or work in the west to lead healthier lives.”

Cooney said there are some alarming statistics for men in Melbourne’s west in regards to the state of their health in comparison to the rest of Victoria. As a consequence, the program looks to make lasting changes to bring these numbers back in line and help improve the overall health of men in the Bulldogs heartland.

Cooney explained “I read a stat ... that 39.9% of Victorian males are overweight and in the Hobsons Bay area it jumps to 50% ... and men in Maribyrnong have the lowest life expectancy in Victoria.”

The program includes which includes free health checks, education sessions and men’s health events.

The implementation of Sons of the West will be addressed by Western Bulldogs Chief Commercial Officer Nick Truelson at next week’s Power of Sport Conference.

Truelson will also explain the key learnings about community participation in sport and recreation that led to the initiative during his address, with delegates able to learn how sport, academia and local government can learn from this program.

Held in conjuction with the National Synthetic Surfaces Conference & Expo (NSSCE), the Power of Sport conference is being staged at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens on 3rd and 4th June 2014

Click here for more information on the NSSCE.

Click here for more information on the Sons of the West program. 

6th May 2014 - CHANGING TRENDS IN SPORT TO BE ADDRESSED AT POWER OF SPORT CONFERENCE