Football Victoria and Football NSW, have joined Football Australia in enlisting the support of the football community in the Bushfire Relief Appeal.
In Football Victoria’s case, it has pledged a $10,000 donation. Furthermore, it has announced that the traditional season curtain raisers, the men and women’s Community Shield matches, will be dedicated to raising funds for the Bushfire Relief effort.
In addition, both Football Victoria and its Football NSW are naming the opening round of their Mens NPL seasons as the Bushfire Relief Appeal Round as well as offering support to regional clubs and associations in Bushfire affected areas.
Football Victoria Ceo, Peter Filopoulos said the “bushfire crisis has affected so many parts of our Victorian landscape” as well as their communities.
“Football is a wonderful vehicle to unite people, especially in difficult times, so dedicating this year’s Community Shield matches and Round 1 of the NPL Men’s 2020 season to help seemed very appropriate,” he said.
“We’ve received messages from football club associates across East Gippsland who are very grateful for any support they can receive. The Victorian football family has a proud history of helping each other and this continues that spirit and tradition.
READ MORE: Bushfire appeals: Find out how you can help
“We’ll be engaging with our 355 clubs across the state to help provide the most meaningful ways to contribute.”
Meanwhile the A-League and W-League will be partnering with Rural Aid to encourage the football community to provide support for farmers, firefighters and communities affected by the fires and droughts. Volunteer collectors will be in attendance to accept donations at each match in the next two rounds of both leagues.
Apart from the organising bodies, individual clubs have also announced fund raising initiatives to assist those affected by the bushfires. NPL clubs South Melbourne and Bentleigh Greens both announced initiatives during the week. South has pledged 10 per cent of each child’s registration fee for its school holiday program between 20-22 January, towards the appeal.
The Greens announced that there will be a $5 gate fee for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against newly promoted Eastern Lions at Kingston Heath with proceeds going to the fire appeal. Kick off for the U 20s is at 5pm whilst the senior match kicks off at 7pm.
READ MORE: Greek communities across Australia raise money for bushfire victims
