By EWEN McRAE: emcrae@mmpgroup.com.au
DANDENONG Stingrays last week took part in a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of street violence, a cause players support passionately.
The Stingrays, along with many other clubs across Victoria, wore orange bootlaces to support the campaign Step Back Think, which aims to unite the football community against street violence and its consequences.
Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler said educating players was a continual process, and something the club took as seriously as on-field performance.
“Most of our boys have been educated on the do’s and dont’s for three years, and we had a pretty big discussion about the [Step Back Think] program,” Wheeler said.
“We give a lot of that stuff over to the leadership group, and they drive that home to the players. All our guys can then go back to their local clubs and they’re seen as leaders in that regard and can sell the message.”
Two years ago, the club was touched by street violence when one of its players was king-hit on a night out, sustaining a broken cheekbone.
“We had to deal with that as a club,” Wheeler said.
“We had to sit the players down and make sure they understood what can happen when you’re out and alcohol and testosterone become a factor.
“We educate players from age 15. They don’t smoke, they don’t drink, and if they do go out they’re generally home by 11pm or 12. We tell them only bad things happen after 11.”
On field, the Stingrays are in a strong position on the TAC Cup ladder despite missing several of their top players through Vic Country duties.
“Every club’s affected at this time of year, but we’ve had the chance to expose some younger guys to TAC Cup football so that’s the bonus,” Wheeler said.
