Spiders win state and national titles

Spiders Boxing Club, based at Caboolture PCYC, has been crowned the 2022 Queensland Good Sports Club of the Year for “going above and beyond in making its club healthy and inclusive”.

It was also runner-up in the Good Sports National Club of the Year for “improving the wellbeing of its members, inspiring positive change and building a healthy, family-friendly club environment where everyone feels welcome”.

And Spiders’ President Kylie Burford was runner-up in the Queensland Good Sports Volunteer of the Year for making her club “stronger and more inclusive, by going above and beyond the usual undertakings of a volunteer”.

Announced today at Parliament House, Canberra, the awards recognise community sporting clubs and volunteers for their work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program.

The program tackles topics such as alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport. 

Spiders’ President Kylie Burford said: "We work with all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities, to ensure everyone in the community has an opportunity to benefit.

“Spiders encompasses everyone with compassion, encourages positive mental health and community connection through attendance and development of fundraising, local community events and family fun days, bringing the community together and helping them connect.”

The club has reached the highest level of the Good Sports program, which means it has policies covering alcohol and tobacco, illegal drugs, mental health and safe transport.

“We run a community bus, to ensure members get home safely, as well as attend tournaments, sparring and local family events. It also relieves time and financial pressures for some families,” Ms Burford said.

Spiders’ also mentors people to help enhance career outcomes and runs classes aimed at empowering young women.

Through local connections, members can be supported with referrals for support services around general health, mental health, counselling, employment and financial support.

Spiders’ Administration Trainee Raquel Randell said: “Kylie dedicates most of her time into improving and ensuring both the club and the community’s needs are met. This is on top of being a working mum.  

“Kylie has been the beating heart of the club for many years, ensuring the club remains running and constantly growing. She is truly inspiring.”

Administration Officer Emily Mooney added: “The relationships she builds within the club is phenomenal. Some even look up to her as family, as she goes above and beyond for anyone and everyone.”

Working with more than 10,000 community sports clubs, including over 1000 clubs in Queensland,  Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program.  

In Queensland, Good Sports is funded by the Australian Government and managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.   

“Good Sports supports local sporting clubs to identify and reduce potential risks around alcohol and other drugs, as well as other important issues such as mental health and road safety,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s QLD Manager Martin Milne.  

“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports club. They shine the spotlight on success, celebrate the volunteers who are the backbone of Good Sports clubs and give winning clubs the recognition they deserve.”