A free health program helping women stay in good shape is kicking off across the west.
Daughters of the West is an eight-week program focusing on mental health, nutrition and physical activity, as well as respectful relationships, parenting and financial literacy.
Ambassadors of the Western Bulldogs Football Club Community Foundation’s pilot program include Bulldogs’ AFLW players Emma Kearney and Lauren Spark and health professional Roz Richards.
Organisers hope to replicate the success of the Sons of the West men’s health program, which has helped hundreds of men improve their health since 2014.
Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Melton and Ballarat councils have partnered with the club to deliver the program, which is already at capacity before it even begins this week.
Gordon Legal has tipped in $200,000 as the major sponsor.
Bulldogs club president Peter Gordon said the club’s commitment to bringing women into the fold was shown through the Bulldogs playing a key role in bringing AFLW to life.
“There was a real enthusiasm to create Daughters of the West,” he said.
“It’s a big thrill for everyone who’s connected with the club, the foundation in particular, to have arrived at this day.”
The state government has also provided funding as part of its $600,000 package to the club’s Community Foundation.
Health minister Jill Hennessy said the program will focus on gender equality, physical activity and improving health and wellbeing.
“As a passionate Doggies fan, I am proud the Bulldogs are the heart and soul of Melbourne’s west, on and off the field,” she said.
