An Australian parents group has slammed the AFL for brokering a sponsorship deal with McDonald's.
Dimity Gannon, campaign manager for The Parent's Jury, says parents think it's extremely socially irresponsible for sporting organisations to be partnering with junk food companies.
"On one hand we're encouraging children to live a healthy and active lifestyle and on the other hand we're allowing them to be surrounded by junk food," Ms Gannon said.
The AFL announced on Thursday that McDonald's will be the naming rights sponsor for the AFL 9s, a modified version of the game aimed primarily at children.
McDonald's CEO Andrew Gregory said he rejects the idea that the company shouldn't be allowed to support organisations like the AFL.
"McDonald's and its licensees have a long history of supporting Australian football across the country, from grassroots sponsorships locally, to professional partnerships in a number of states," he said.
"We are proud of this new partnership and look forward to working responsibly with the AFL to get more people active and involved in the sport."
Health and parent groups have long been lobbying against the sponsorship of spot by companies such as McDonald's and KFC, which sponsors junior cricket and water polo.
A recent survey of 1016 Australians by leading health groups found 50 per cent did not support the sponsorship of sport by junk food or sugary drink companies.
The survey, by Consumers Health Forum, Heart Foundation, Obesity Policy Coalition and Public Health Association of Australia, also found 85 per cent of those polled said unhealthy eating habits were a major problem for Australian children.
About 60 per cent of Australian adults and a quarter of children are now classified as overweight. Of this group, about 25 per cent of adults and six per cent of children are obese.
The Parent's Jury is supported by the Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia Victoria, among other groups.
