By Matthew Sims
A new Victoria University study has highlighted the impacts of COVID-19 on community sport participants, with the men surveyed reporting lower mental health when they stopped playing and training when compared with women.
Conducted during the first COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns in Australia in May and June of 2020, the survey of more than 2000 Australians showed men aged 18 to 29 were most affected, reporting the poorest general health and lowest life satisfaction when they compared their wellbeing before and during COVID lockdowns.
Footscray Hockey Club men’s director Simon Borger said from having a beer after the game to having a chat, the significance of playing community sport went beyond the game itself.
“We’re all quite social with each other,” he said.
Mr Borger said the COVID-19 pandemic also brought the value of playing hockey and other community sport into perspective.
“I think we took it a little bit for granted,” he said.
Mr Borger said participating in community sport, even as a spectator, has a number of mental health benefits.
“It widens your horizons,” he said.
“I just like the way that you get to communicate with so many other people.”
Lead researcher Professor Rochelle Eime said the findings highlighted the significant role which community sport plays in men’s lives.
“Some men talk to their club mates about things they don’t even tell their families or doctors,” she said.
“The study indicates that since sport clubs are an incredibly important setting for many men, clubs may need to pay particular attention to re-engage at-risk men who have experienced worse mental health from COVID restrictions, and who may have difficulty returning.
“Sport clubs need to ensure they have the capacity to rebound and that all individuals in those clubs – participants, volunteers, coaches and administrators – are given support and encouragement to return.”
Mr Borger said current participation throughout the club was “steady” and the club would review before next year’s season.
