The project aims to raise awareness of the health risks caused by binge drinking and reduce alcohol related violence by providing healthy, supportive and safe environments for all community members.

Locally the project also involves Victoria Police, Mitchell Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council, Valley Sport, Mitchell Youth Council, Closing the Health Gap Lower Hume, AlcoCups, Redline Breathalysers, Roadsafe Goulburn Valley and NESAY Wangaratta.

After a session on drink-driving, 15 participants from the Lions received Responsible Service of Alcohol training, also recognised by the hospitality industry, followed by a session with Ash Gurney of AlcoCups.

Gurney’s training, also attended by about 15 players, featured the effects of alcohol, using ‘‘beer goggles’’ and a Wii game which simulates the consumption of alcohol.

Lions netballer Natalia Morgan said it was an eye-opener to be made aware of the harmful effects of alcohol, not just on those who drink, but their families and friends.

‘‘You never know how much it affects people, how many get mental illness further down the track and how many people are in hospital because of it and next time it could be you,’’ she said.

Under-18 football coach Matt O’Sullivan said the club was committed to ‘‘teaching the (players) not just to be good footballers and netballers but also help them to be good people’’.

‘‘We want to make sure the culture of the club is about being sensible and moderate in regards to these issues,’’ he said.

WYLD project worker Kath Knott used her own background to ensure the sessions hit their target.

The former Melbourne Vixens netballer said holding them at the right time was a key to their success.

‘‘Being a player myself I know you don’t want to train for two hours and then hang around for two hours doing this training session,’’ she said.

‘‘So we try and make them straight to the point, say on a Thursday night where they might be having a meal at the same time.’’

The third session will involve those already trained passing on the knowledge to the rest of the club. Later on the project will hopefully encompass specialised education sessions from Gurney for liquor retailers.

WYLD is also developing a youth-led binge drinking campaign through extensive consultations with young people in sports clubs, youth groups and the Mitchell Youth Council.

To address their alcohol-related concerns, young people have developed the WYLD logo and ‘‘So You Know’’ poster, which clearly displays the state and local laws and fines. Young people have also developed the ‘‘Don’t Let it Get Ugly’’ campaign, which has Melbourne Vixen netballer Tegan Caldwell as the project ambassador.

■Former Fremantle Docker and St Kilda star Heath Black did his bit for the cause at the Avenel Football Netball Club recently.

He was there to deliver a V/Line ‘‘Understanding Alcohol’’ session, along with Stefan Gruenert from Odyssey House.

About 30 under-18 footballers and netballers from the club and surrounding areas listened intently as Black drew on his personal experiences and his own battle with alcohol. The honesty from Black was at times confronting as he talked through his struggle as alcohol took control of his life.

The early joviality of the participants in the session quickly evaporated as they understood the seriousness of the discussion and the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

Black discussed how alcohol influenced his decision making, led him to be surrounded by negative influences, put enormous pressure on his close friends and family and ultimately almost cost him his football career.

Peer group pressure was identified as a key driver to poor decision making and errant behaviour with Black reinforcing the need for teenagers and young adults to make ‘‘smarter decisions’’ and to think of the consequences of their behaviour.