IT won't just be the physical presence of the Rovers Football Netball Club under 18s players that will be noticed at next month's Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run, it will be the message they bring with them that violence and misogynistic behaviours are not okay.

The club has teamed up with the Centre Against Violence (CAV) for this year's event and they'll be running with a strong message at front of mind – to have respect for other people.

Club wellbeing and development coach at the Rovers Peter Rourke approached CAV and asked them how they could promote positive language within the club and educate players about how to be the best versions of themselves.

CAV chief executive officer Jaime Chubb, who is entering the 10km run, said the Rovers put their hands up and want to be leaders in the community, which is really important role for clubs like this to take on.

"We're talking about everything from consent to healthy relationships and it's about the community stepping up and saying things such as family violence and sexual assault are not acceptable and we're all going to take responsibility for it," Ms Chubb said.

"The Rovers see themselves as key players in that, so the relationship between the two organisations is pivotal.

"Beyond that, this is an incredible thing for a football netball club to put their hands up and be part of.

"This isn't something that often happens where we get clubs come to us and say we want to do things differently and we want to make sure our players are getting accurate information, and that they've been given language they can use to keep themselves safe or they can support their friends and family.

"They are being really proactive in that, which is unfortunately rare, but really powerful and we hoping other clubs and organisations want to get on board in the same way.

"It will give them the tools because we all see stuff happen and we don't know how to address it and we walk past things that we know are not quite right.

Ms Chubb said it's about giving, particularly young people, the language, the tools and the confidence about it and to also know in their own relationships what's healthy and what's not and to keep themselves safe and to be good partners.

Wangaratta Rovers under 18s coach Ben Talarico is aiming to run in the 5km fun run and he's thrilled to be a part of the initiative with CAV.

"When Peter Rourke brought the idea to me I thought it's a great thing to expose the boys to because as much as we're big on developing the boys' football skills, we are also really big on culture and the way the boys hold themselves outside the club too," Mr Talarico said.

"The initiative is about respect, especially to women and bad behaviour is not tolerated at all, and it's about making sure they're all aware of all the different forms of respect.

"By giving the boys examples of the proper way to treat people, it will hold them in good stead for the future.

"It's about steering clear of misogynistic and derogatory language as there is no tolerance for that in this day and age."

The club is looking to incorporate the initiative as a muilti–year program, not just a one–off idea.

All of the thirds players are expected to sign up for the fun run and be a part of the great local event.

"We're massive on buy–in and we expect them to buy–in with any of the football stuff we put forward and this is no different," Mr Talarico said.

Under 18s footballer Will Ashton is looking to sign up to the 5km fun run and he said the pre–season is going well with good numbers showing up to training.

"I know Ben and the coaches are big on being good people before being good footballers and this whole thing is really reiterating that, making sure we're good people," he said.

CAV's Orange Door team leader Shannon Miller is due to undergo shoulder surgery soon so he will take on the 10km walk as one of his arms will still be in a sling at the time.

He has previously run in other events such as the 12km fun run in Melbourne and he's happy to represent CAV in the fun run.

The Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run is on Sunday, March 19 and to enter any of the event categories visit wangarattamarathon.com.au.