‘Hooked on Sport’ keeps community connected

A brand-new podcast has been launched to help keep Australia’s sporting clubs connected during this time of social isolation.

Hooked on Sport is hosted by South Australian sports columnist Ben Hook, and was created in response to life without our great sports clubs and communities due to COVID-19.

Ben said the podcast was a way of giving a sense of belonging at a time when we can’t go about our usual sporting club activities.

“For many of us, sporting clubs are a great comfort and they offer a sense of belonging,” he said.

“While Hooked on Sport can’t completely fill that void, we hope it will offer sports clubs a sense of purpose and connection.”

The latest episode features sports journalist Tom Rehn (Channel 9, 5AA) and Reece Homfray (The Advertiser), discussing how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 situation and having no live sport to report on.

Hooked on Sport is a collaboration with Sport SA and Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

Sport SA CEO Leah Cassidy said the podcast was developed to create a virtual space to collaborate during unprecedented times.

“Sport plays a powerful role in people’s lives,” Ms Cassidy said.

“The podcast will create a sense of partnership and community for our industry and allow us to come together to share this journey.”

Breakthrough Executive Director John Mannion said there had never been a greater time to help people remain connected.

“The need to support mental health conversations has never been as strong as it is now,” Mr Mannion said.

“The Hooked on Sport podcast provides a virtual sporting club, a sense of purpose and ultimately belonging.”

Listeners can contribute to each episode by sharing their favourite club memories, nominating who they’d like interviewed – an international sportsperson or an unsung sporting hero – or sharing how their club is staying connected. Got any great ideas? Let us know!

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all good podcast services.