With Northern NSW Football’s Mental Health Round to take place this weekend, clubs across the region will come together to highlight the importance of connection, support and checking in with those around us.
Ahead of the round, NNSWF is looking back at some of the incredible work already being done by clubs in the mental health space, with Edgeworth Junior Soccer Club leading the way through their month-long Mental Health Awareness campaign.
Throughout July, the club traded its traditional red and black colours for bright yellow, dedicating the entire month to raising awareness and funds for R U OK? while encouraging their football family to start meaningful conversations around mental health.
The campaign kicked off with a community bake sale, where members of the EJSC community came together to create and donate a range of homemade treats, including cookies, cupcakes, finger buns, cake pops and sourdough. Supported by volunteers across the weekend, the bake sale alone raised an incredible $1,300.
The month of activities continued across the club, with teams from under-5s through to over-35s wearing bright yellow socks to help spark conversations and remind players, families and supporters that it’s okay to speak up and check in on your mates.
EJSC Secretary Leanne O’Brien said the campaign transformed the clubhouse throughout July, creating an environment where conversations around mental health could happen openly.
“The clubhouse has been awash with yellow and meaningful conversations, with teams from under-6s to over-35s donning yellow socks, alongside our bake-off competition and sale and massive raffle,” O’Brien said.
The club also ran a major raffle featuring prizes generously donated by local businesses, with all funds raised throughout the month going towards R U OK? and supporting their important work in the community.
The response from the Edgeworth football community was overwhelming, with the club raising an incredible $5,670 across the month.
“Mental health awareness and the importance of checking in with mates is something EJSC hold dear to their hearts,” O’Brien said.
“July is a month where we proudly turn our red and black to bright yellow to encourage everyone to ask, ‘R U OK?’”
For Edgeworth Junior Soccer Club, the campaign was about more than fundraising. It was about creating a football environment where everyone feels supported, connected and comfortable starting a conversation.
“Mental health impacts so many and we are honoured to have the opportunity to ask our community, R U OK?” O’Brien said.
As Northern NSW Football prepares for Mental Health Round, Edgeworth’s commitment is a powerful reminder that clubs are more than just places to play. They are communities where people come together, support one another and look out for their mates.