This weekend’s North West Football League Under 18 Real Mates Colts Grand Final isn’t just about fierce competition, it’s also driving home a powerful road safety message.
Devonport and Penguin will meet each other at Latrobe in Saturday’s grand final in the Real Mates Colts Under 18 competition. It’s the fifth year that the Road Safety Advisory Council has sponsored the Under 18 competition.
“Football unites communities and through our partnership with the NWFL we’re able to engage young Tasmanians as they take on the responsibilities of driving,” said the Chair of the Council, Scott Tilyard.
“Tragically, road trauma remains the second leading cause of death for 17 to 25-year-olds in Tasmania. Engaging with the Under 18s competition is a vital part of our strategy, reaching young men at a pivotal time in their lives when they’re most at risk of serious crashes.
“Through this initiative, we’re encouraging safer choices and helping real mates look out for one another, both on and off the field.”
NWFL competition manager Morgan Hughes said the most recent Real Mates campaign, focusing on the Bro Code, is striking a chord with players on and off the field.
Launched last year, the Bro Code campaign is a practical set of rules that encourages mates to help get home safely, whether that means lending cab money, offering a couch, being the designated driver or calling the parent taxi. And a bro isn’t just your mate from footy – it can be anyone who’s got your back and helps you get home safely. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0pSTDvvVes
“As a league we are encouraging more conversations not just about road safety but also about what it means to be a real mate,” said Mr Hughes.
“All of our players and supporters are road users, whether it be in the form of drivers, passengers, bike riders or pedestrians. As a league we want to do everything we can to keep them safe, not just through reminders and messaging but by arming them with knowledge and encouraging informed, responsible choices every day.”
As part of Saturday’s grand final, a special Real Mates award will again be presented to two players from the Colts competition. Each of the eight participating clubs has been asked to nominate a player who exemplifies the qualities of a real mate both on and off the field.
Saturday’s Under 18 RSAC Real Mates Colts grand final begins at 8.35 am.
