Government uses SMS to reach footballers

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 27 April 2010 08:51

Business IT - Technology

The Victorian Government is using a commercial SMS service in its campaign to reduce alcohol-related violence.

RedTxt operates a service that distributes scores and ladders for Victorian country and suburban sports leagues. The service is free of charge to participating clubs, as it is sponsored by advertising approved by their league.

The ANZAC Day weekend saw the launch of the Victorian Government's Championship Moves advertising on the service. Championship Moves is intended to help young men avoid violent situations when drinking.

"RedTxt is a great tool for us to communicate to young people," said Justin Madden, Minister for Planning and for the Respect Agenda. Madden is also a former AFL player at Essendon and Carlton.

RedTxt's director of stratgeic partnerships is former St. Kilda and Hawthorn AFL Premiership player Russell Morris, who said "RedTxt has proved very popular with country and metro footy players alike, as it offers country leagues and clubs relevant and interesting footy info - fast.

"Players and club officials want to receive this information, and look forward to getting the text with all the updated league scores and ladders at the end of the day," added Morris.

Who else is involved in RedTxt? See page 2.