SUFC has partnered with mental health not-for-profit, The Banksia Project, to support Australian men towards mental wellness. As well as fundraising for the charity, players will recognise its importance by sporting bright pink socks in a match against Southern Districts on Saturday, 15 August at Sydney Uni Football Ground.
The partnership between SUFC and The Banksia Project aims to optimise player performance and wellbeing on and off the field by offering players and staff ongoing mental health support.
SUFC Executive General Manager David Haigh, said: “The health of our team, both physical and mental, is the highest priority for SUFC. The support offered by The Banksia Project has become a fundamental part of our training, equipping our players with the skills and tools required to support one another on and off the field. It’s been an important element for our players to recognise and embrace their mateship as a team and ensure they have the strength and motivation to optimise their performance as a player and as an individual.”
In the lead-up to and at the match, SUFC will be asking its community to donate money to support The Banksia Project’s free support services, which include its virtual Growth Rooms program – support groups facilitated by trained volunteers, which allow men to connect, share and access practical information to help them with any challenges they face in life.
The Banksia Project’s Program Director and former SUFC player and Coach, Jack Jones said that The Banksia Project’s programs act like a “gym for the mind” with participants reporting they feel 40% more connected, 30% more resilient and 25% happier after just three sessions.
“We pride ourselves on creating a community where everyone feels safe and supported, with the motivation to lead a happier and healthier life. All of our services are free and available to men nationally, so we encourage anyone feeling challenged, alone, or simply in need of a chat to join one of our Growth Room sessions.”
Tickets to the match will be available to purchase from 10 August. Pink socks will also be available to buy on the day, with funds raised going directly to support The Banksia Projects continued work.
You can also donate directly to The Banksia project now – https://donorbox.org/the-banksia-project
For further information on what they are up to visit www.thebanksiaproject.org.au