As Northern NSW Football’s Mental Health Round continues to grow each year, Woolgoolga United shows what meaningful community connection can look like in 2026.
Woolgoolga United partnered with Lifeline North Coast last Friday to host the Kick It for Lifeline Mental Health Round, creating an evening that went far beyond the result on the scoreboard.
The event brought together players, volunteers, supporters and the wider Woolgoolga community in a powerful display of sportsmanship, support and awareness.
From the action on the pitch to the activities on the sidelines, the night gave people opportunities to connect, start conversations and learn how we can support one another, not only during Mental Health Round but every day.
Woolgoolga United said the evening highlighted the important role community sport can play in promoting wellbeing and connection.
“As a club, we were incredibly honoured to host the Lifeline event on Friday night and are so grateful for the incredible support shown by our community,” Woolgoolga United said on social media.
“It was a beautiful reminder of the positive impact that team sport, connection and being part of a club can have on our mental health and wellbeing.”
The club encouraged anyone experiencing difficulties to seek support, reminding the community that Lifeline is available to help and that no one must go through it alone.
Lifeline North Coast CEO Angela Martin said the event took an important step towards raising funds and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
“The Kick It for Lifeline Mental Health Round was an outstanding success, not only in raising valuable funds for Lifeline North Coast’s crisis support and suicide prevention services, but equally in raising awareness and encouraging important conversations about mental health within our community,” Martin said.
Martin said partnerships with community clubs such as Woolgoolga United play a vital role in breaking down stigma and helping people feel more comfortable seeking support when they need it.
“By taking these conversations into community settings, particularly within sport, we can encourage more people to recognise when they need support and reach out for help,” Martin said.
Woolgoolga United’s Kick It for Lifeline initiative demonstrates football’s unique ability to bring people together, strengthen social connection and create safe spaces for important conversations.
The club’s collaboration with Lifeline North Coast reinforces the idea that football clubs offer far more than a place to play the game.
They give communities a place to connect, support one another and create environments where people feel seen, valued and never alone.