Smoke-Free Latino Soccer Leagues - Reaching and Creating Policy Change

Audience: Individuals at all levels of tobacco control experience from a community can develop, implement and create a smoke-free environment for any outdoor games.

Key Points:

• Partner with soccer league owners and other authorities;

• Educate all about the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke;

• Educate all about healthy lifestyle; • Educate friends and families during the game; and

• Refer to Quitline. PATA (Padres, Abuelos y Tios en Accion/Fathers, Grandfathers and Uncles in Action) project addressed tobacco issues for Latino immigrant men using a soccer league setting. All were educated and pledges were signed by players and families and petitions circulated. Each game brought together the Latino men along with family and friends allowing the program to leave a rippling effect. Presentations were created with educational materials. Following education, all soccer league authorities were involved of creating a smoke-free environment and helping players choose a healthier lifestyle. Players signed over 300 pledges supporting smoke-free cars, homes/apartments and sporting activities. Over 100 Peak-flow tests were administered to players to demonstrate ill effects on lung capacity. The players, their families and other authorities signed on to petitions for a smoke-free Marion County.

Educational Experience: Audience will learn the key points with discussions, examples and sample copies of materials and will be able to apply them in their work.

Benefits: Audience will learn a mechanism for engagement of recent immigrants in policy change and advocacy using soccer leagues.