Soccer a weapon against obesity
CAPITALISING on World Cup fever, the Queensland Government yesterday announced it would inject funds into junior soccer as part of an initiative to attack obesity among children.
On the eve of the World Cup final between Italy and France, Premier Peter Beattie committed $500,000 to develop soccer at the grassroots level in Queensland, following a deal struck with Football Queensland and the Queensland Roar.
“Football is one of the few sports that can truly claim to be a world game and it appeals to a wide demographic — boys and girls, young and old, from many cultural backgrounds,” Mr Beattie said.
“The interest in the World Cup offers a great opportunity to grow and develop junior participation in line with the Government’s commitment to help more Queenslanders discover the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle.”
The State Government earlier this year committed $21 million to battle obesity, following a two-day summit on the issue.
Mr Beattie, who has publicly battled his own weight problems, said the football initiative would develop junior programs providing access to qualified coaches, elite players and a range of other activities like coaching clinics.
Parents would also be sponsored to help them gain accreditation to run “Rooball”, Football Australia’s modified game for children under 10 years old.
Five-day Roar talent programs, expected to benefit more than 20,000 children in southeast Queensland, will help develop skills during school holidays, while clinics in regional Queensland are expected to attract about 12,000 children a year.
Soccer has enjoyed unprecedented popularity in Australia with the Socceroos making the final 16 at the World Cup for the first time.
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