AFL Victoria and the AFL Players’ Association are encouraging local footballers and netballers to register for FebFast as part of their pre-season preparation.
What is FebFast?
FebFast is a 28 day alcohol-free challenge during February to raise money for young people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. This year the challenge has been extended so that participants can instead chose to take a break from either of alcohol, sugar, caffeine or digital devices.
Launched in 2007, FebFast has raised more than $5.5 million to support 40 programs from all corners of Australia and inspired one million drink-free days.
How to get involved
Participants can register for the challenge at 
febfast.org.au. All community clubs will now be able to register as a team and the clubs that raise the most amount of money during February will go in the draw to win AFL memorabilia that can be used at club fundraising events throughout the year.
AFL players supporting the cause
With the support of the AFL Players’ Association, a number of AFL players have supported FebFast since its inception. In 2014, the following players will be participating in the challenge.
• Will Minson – Western Bulldogs, giving up alcohol
• Michael Hibberd –Essendon, giving up alcohol
• Matt de Boer – Fremantle, giving up alcohol and caffeine
• David Mundy – Fremantle, giving up alcohol and caffeine
• Brent Staker – Brisbane Lions, giving up alcohol
• Phil Davis – Greater Western Sydney, giving up alcohol
• Luke Ball – Collingwood, giving up alcohol
• Ivan Maric – Richmond, giving up alcohol and sugar
Fremantle’s David Mundy (left) and Matt De Boer (right) are registered for the FebFast Pre-Season Challenge.
Luke Ball, president of the AFL Players’ Association, said the players were all eager to lend their support to FebFast.
“With footy season around the corner, we are encouraging local players to join the FebFast Pre-Season Challenge and not only reap the benefits of a healthy month, but also help FebFast raise awareness of the damage drugs and alcohol can have in our community,” Ball said.
“As a playing group we are proud to support FebFast, who will again be providing a percentage of funds raised to the Players’ charity Ladder, who continue to tackle youth homelessness and provide young people who are at risk of homelessness with the support and skills they need to return to independent livng.”
Health benefits
Along with supporting young Australians in need, there are also many health benefits for those who participate in the FebFast challenge. CLICK HERE to see the positive impact participating in FebFast can have on both your physical and mental well-being.
Guidelines
Here are the guidelines for each FebFast challenge. Which will you take on?
FebFast Alcohol
28 days without alcohol, including low alcohol drinks, with the exception of lemon, lime and bitters.
FebFast Sugar
28 days without high sugar foods. Use labels as a guide: anything with over 5.0g of sugar per 100g is a no-go. Simple substitutes can be made, including replacing low fat with full fat dairy products and replacing soft drink with mineral water. A guide on what to avoid and substitute items will be provided to registered users.
FebFast Caffeine
28 days without caffeine: including coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks and energy drinks. As a guide, if a product contains more than 40mg of caffeine, it’s a no-go. A guide on what to avoid and substitute items will be provided to registered users.
FebFast Digital
Every evening in February from 8pm onwards: no TV, DVDs, laptop, tablet, smartphone (except if it rings!), gaming or e-Readers.
Family FebFast
One family member registers their family as a team. Each member nominates a ‘fast’ to take on and the family fundraises together.
