Football Federation Victoria separates gambling from their game

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation today announced Football Federation Victoria (FFV) has signed the Foundation’s Love the Game Responsible Gambling Charter and will say no to gambling sponsorship.

FFV includes more than 330 clubs and local associations and the partnership will help to create safe and healthy club environments and minimise young people’s exposure to gambling advertising.

Throughout the season FFV will work closely with their clubs and associations to encourage their players to love the game, not the odds, and have committed to signing 80 soccer clubs to the Love the Game sporting club program.

In addition, FFV will work with Gambler’s Help community educators across Victoria to deliver information sessions to new participating clubs and host Love the Game themed rounds.

Football Federation Victoria CEO Maxwell Gratton said the partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation reinforces the important role that football plays in our community.

"A partnership of this stature, for the growth and benefit of our clubs and the individuals within, shows FFV's commitment to growing and enhancing the football experience," Mr Gratton said.

"The competitions FFV administers, PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Victoria and all our grassroots competitions, are committed to providing healthy environments where players, volunteers, administrators, parents and fans can Love the Game.

"This is a proud day for FFV to establish a partnership that will educate and benefit so many that love football."

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation chief executive Louise Glanville welcomed FFV to join the program, alongside the 270 elite and local Victorian clubs already helping to separate gambling from their sport.

“Partnering with Football Federation Victoria will help broaden the sporting codes participating in the program and extend the Foundation’s Love the Game key messages to reach soccer fans.

“As soccer is the most popular club-based participation sport in Australia, this is an excellent opportunity to grow the exposure and reach of the program and Football Federation Victoria can help raise awareness about the risk of harm from betting.”

For more information about the Foundation’s Love the Game sporting club program visit lovethegame.vic.gov.au/sport