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    • Good Sports | Building safer, healthier community clubs

    Good Sports is one of Australia's longest running and most widely used community sport programs, helping clubs create safer, healthier environments for players, volunteers, families and supporters.

    Delivered by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), Good Sports partners with more than 13,000 clubs across 120 sporting codes to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs, address drink driving, tackle vaping, and support good mental health.

    Every club's journey looks different. Good Sports gives clubs free tools, resources and personalised support, so they can build an action plan that fits their own players, culture and community.

    “The Good Sports Program has been a game-changer... helping our clubs create warm, welcoming, family-friendly environments and helping us build a new generation of netballers.”

    Andrea Pearman, CEO, Netball Victoria – Victoria

    Aim

    Good Sports aims to strengthen club policies and practices to prevent harm from alcohol and other drugs, and to promote a healthier, safer and more family-friendly environment for everyone at the club.

    1. Guide clubs to develop, commit to and maintain policies and practices that prevent alcohol and other drug harm.
    2. Build knowledge and confidence to prevent or reduce the risk of alcohol and other drug harm, and how to access help.
    3. Prevent or reduce risky alcohol consumption and behaviours.
    4. Increase awareness of mental health supports and how to access help.
    5. Prevent or reduce children's exposure to alcohol use in sport.
    6. Contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment for members.
    7. Build diversified and sustainable funding, to prevent reliance on alcohol sponsorship.

    Since it began in 1998, Good Sports has grown into one of Australia's largest community-led alcohol and other drug prevention programs.

    Program snapshot:

    • 13,000+ participating clubs across 120 sporting codes
    • Nearly 3.2 million Australians taking part
    • 550+ Indigenous clubs
    • 37% reduction in risky drinking and 42% less overall harm1
    • 8% reduction in the odds of drink driving, for each season a club is in the program1
    • 9% increase in club membership1
    • $3.10–$4.20 return for every $1 invested in the program2

    Club achievements:

    Formal club surveys show:

    • 89–95% of clubs improved their illegal drugs policies
    • 79–89% of clubs felt more confident managing drug issues
    • 70% of club members reported increased awareness of mental health issues
    • 90% reported reduced stigma around mental health
    • 80% reported increased intention to seek help when needed
    • An average 17% increase in non-playing volunteers, 11% increase in female participation and 12% increase in junior teams.
    “The Good Sports program is the most comprehensively researched drug and alcohol community sporting intervention internationally.” 

    Luke Wolfenden, Professor, University of Newcastle

    Communities in action - a snapshot

    Woodbridge Cricket Club, Tasmania

    From a lost cause to a healthy-living leader

    Before joining Good Sports, Woodbridge Cricket Club struggled with alcohol and smoking issues that affected behaviour, sportsmanship and community engagement.

    The club introduced smoke-free areas, healthier food options, safe transport measures and non- and low-alcohol drinks at the bar. It went on to achieve Gold accreditation and was named National Good Sports Club of the Year.

    “The club has changed from one that was viewed by locals and other teams as almost a lost cause, to becoming one that takes pride in its family-friendly atmosphere and respect for fellow players.”

    Steve Jackson, Club Committee Member and Life Member, Woodbridge Cricket Club – Tasmania

    Eagleby Giants Junior Rugby League, Queensland

    Empowering young athletes

    Eagleby Giants, a Good Sports Junior Club of the Year winner, runs a mentoring program where older players aged 14 to 16 support younger members, both on and off the field.

    The club also hosts a weekly mental health support night, led by its Mental Health Officers, reaching members from Under 9s up.

    “The Good Sports program helped our club make small changes to combat bigger health and societal problems before they begin, especially among young people.”

    Nick Caroll, Club VP, Eagleby Giants – Queensland

    Independent evaluations, including two peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials, consistently show Good Sports helps clubs build stronger partnerships, safer environments and healthier communities.

    By combining local club leadership with evidence-based prevention, Good Sports is helping community clubs across Australia reduce alcohol and other drug harms - on and off the field.

    Supported by

    Good Sports is a program of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, delivered with support from the Australian Government, Tasmanian Government, NSW Government, Government of Western Australia and Northern Territory Government. 

    Find out more
    1. Kingsland M, Wolfenden L, Tindall J, Rowland BC, Lecathelinais C, Gillham KE, et al. Tackling risky alcohol consumption in sport: a cluster randomised controlled trial of an alcohol management intervention with community football clubs. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 2015.;69(10):993.
    2. KPMG. Economic evaluation of the Good Sports Program. Australia: KPMG. 2013.

    Last updated: 09 Sep 2026