Australian football and a reduction in obesity have been linked from day one.
In 1858 the founder of the game, Tom Wills, wrote to "Bell's Life", a newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, calling for the creation of a football club as a means of keeping cricketers fit in the off-season:
SIR, - Now that cricket has been put aside for some few months to come, and cricketers have assumed somewhat of the chrysalis nature (for a time only 'tis true), but at length will again burst forth in all their varied hues, rather than allow this state of torpor to creep over them, and stifle their new supple limbs, why can they not, I say, form a foot-ball club, and form a committee of three or four to draw up a code of laws?
If a club of this sort were got up, it would be of a vast benefit to any cricket-ground to be trampled upon, and would make the turf quite firm and durable; besides which it would keep those who are inclined to become stout from having their joints encased in useless superabundant flesh.
Get a Kick out of Life!
A major aim of Aussie Rules Schools is to combat the worrying increase in childhood obesity. Obesity, particularly in children, is emerging as one of the world's most serious health problems.
Unhealthy food, decreasing exercise and time in front of the television or playing video games are just some of the factors that have led to the alarming rise in overweight and obese children.
The problem is not confined to children. There are now a significant proportion of adults who are overweight or obese. As overweight children often go on to become overweight or obese adults, the potential public health problem is immense.
Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease, adult-onset (type II) diabetes, both of which place an enormous strain on the health service.
As mentioned above, Aussie Rules UK is greatly concerned at the rising levels of obesity in the community. One of the major goals of Aussie Rules is to improve the health and well-being of all participants.
The major impediments to good health are smoking, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. At all times Aussie Rules Schools will promote a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.
Obesity - The Problem
