Health Promotion

Why an article about Futsal?

Jeremy Fiske

School Health Promotions Nurse

It’s odd, that at the very same time we’re collectively trying to move away from gendered language and gendered subjects in public schools toward a more inclusive model we should find ourselves in the position of needing to encourage a separation… of sorts.

Casual observation clearly shows that participation by girls in physical activity at school is less than that of boys. A closer look suggests girls use of dedicated physical activity resources and sporting spaces such as the gym or basketball court areas may be as low as one sixth that of boys. Inquiry identified one reason for this being the boisterousness of boys which can sometimes feel intimidating, especially to younger students. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m all for boisterousness so long as it’s respectful, but I also think it should be equal opportunity and not the privilege of a single gender. 

I believe that those who identify as female or non-binary should not be put in a position of feeling they have to, or ought to, quell their boisterousness because to venture otherwise feels risky in some way. 

To rectify this and as a direct response to the challenge set to us to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to feel safe, we have been keeping Tuesday lunchtimes in the gym as a Girls/Non-Binary safe space. So, in order to promote use of this space, over recent weeks we’ve been hosting Girls/Non-Binary Futsal training sessions. A partnership with FutsalOz Brunswick to provide two super keen and talented Futsal coaches has seen a growth of interest. The students who have attended have been learning skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment, and let me assure you, there is some sure-fire boisterousness being nurtured here. Perhaps one day all students can feel empowered enough to hold their own space, until then we need to hold it for them. 

We would like to thank Evangelia and Iesha from FutsalOz for their generosity and leadership. FutsalOz Brunswick hosts various after school, evening and weekend programs and are hoping to build interest in developing girls participation in sport. 

Check out their website….. Brunswick Social Leagues.

Face Masks

You often hear the term ‘We’re in this together’ just before someone delivers a pitch urging you to believe, do, vote, donate or spend money for something that would otherwise probably be found further down your list of priorities. I fully expect that my pitch here will sound familiar, like an echo you’d rather forget. But I’m going to make the pitch anyway because it’s a matter of numbers and if I can swing anyone’s attention then I reckon that’s a good thing. So here goes…

Community health depends on awareness and participation. It’s about being aware of not only the positives of doing something but also the negatives of not doing. Why do you put your bin out on rubbish night? Is it because you want only your own personal rubbish taken away or because you have the understanding that it takes the majority of people to participate in a community health action to avoid all of us being swamped in stinking, germ filled rubbish. I wager it’s both. 

Right now, as much as we wish we weren’t, we are experiencing another long wave of Covid infections along with a seasonal Influenza epidemic. It’s not fun. It’s stressful, and believe me, as a health professional and one who has friends and colleagues on the front line, I really would like this to be over. Wearing masks in high density situations is effective at slowing the spread to a level at which out health services can cope with the influx of people who don’t bounce back so easily, our Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, parents, friends and in some cases ourselves. 

Wearing masks is not mandated, but it is something we can do to help if we choose to and if we can. I for one won’t be wearing a mask every time I step out the door but with the wisdom that comes from an experience we’ve all shared, I will keep one with me and I will put it on when I believe the situation calls for it such as when the room is full or when on public transport or in the supermarket. I will wear a mask because I believe in looking after myself but also because I know this is bigger than just me. I will do it for the same reason I put out my garbage on bin night, because we’re in this together.