As the junior football season draws to a close, Wangaratta Kangaroos Junior Football Club is celebrating success both on and off the field, with nutritious canteen favourites regularly selling out thanks to changes introduced through Vic Kids Eat Well.
Known for bringing young players and families together through sport, the club has spent the season strengthening its canteen to provide a wider range of nutritious food and drinks for its community by following Vic Kids Eat Well's simple changes.
Club Secretary Rheanne Solimo said the club sees sport as an opportunity to support players and families both on and off the field.
"At our club, we believe our role goes beyond the game. We want to create a healthy and supportive environment for everyone who comes through our doors," she said.
The club introduced healthier cooking methods, expanded its menu and made water more visible and accessible on game days. Popular additions included air-fried chicken schnitzel rolls, soups served with wholemeal bread and pulled roast beef rolls and bowls.
"The response has been incredibly positive. People have really appreciated the wider variety of nutritious food options available that also suit different dietary needs," Mrs Solimo said.
"We’ve kept popular options but added more nutritious ingredients. Our chicken schnitzel rolls are now air-fried instead of deep-fried, which means less oil and saturated fat while still tasting great."
The refreshed menu quickly became a game day favourite.
"Our chicken schnitzel rolls and pulled roast beef options actually sell out every week. We've even had requests to put rolls on hold for players post-game! Our community has also been very thankful for the veggie soups on freezing cold days," Mrs Solimo said.
Alongside menu changes, the club introduced free drinking water and moved water and soda water to eye level in the drinks fridge.
"These were simple swaps, but they’ve made a big difference," Mrs Solimo said.
"When kids see their teammates enjoying water at training and at games, it becomes the norm," she said.
The club's Vic Kids Eat Well experience highlights how local sporting clubs can help create environments that support children's health and wellbeing while continuing to deliver a great game day for families.
As the season ends, the club is already looking ahead to building on its success next year.
"This is just the beginning for us. By making these changes, we’re providing colourful and nutritious options now and helping build lifelong health for our young players," Mrs Solimo said.
Cancer Council Victoria's head of Healthy Places Dimity Gannon said the club's success shows that nutritious food and community sport are a winning combination.
"Community sports clubs play a powerful role in shaping the environments where children spend their time," Ms Gannon said.
"The Kangaroos have shown that small, practical changes can help make nutritious food and drinks a valued part of the game day experience."
"Seeing these colourful menu items sell out week after week shows there is strong appetite for nutritious, delicious food at local sporting clubs," she said.