IN conjunction with AFL Victoria, the EDFL has nominated this weekend as White Ribbon Round.
White Ribbon is a national non-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to promote the prevention of violence against women in Australia by engaging men to make women’s safety a man’s issue too.
White Ribbon’s vision is for a nation that respects women, and in which every woman can live in safety, free from all forms of men’s abuse.
The EDFL and our clubs are committed to bringing awareness and assisting in raising funds for this important cause.
For further information please visit whiteribbon.org.au.
Already in 2018 there have been two fantastic examples where EDFL clubs have shown leadership in organising match day activities to support White Ribbon and promoting the prevention of violence against women.
On July 21 the Hillside Football Club hosted Tullamarine and used the day to highlight the important role women play in community football.
They asked their members to wear Black, White and Pink (instead of teal) for one weekend, which was reflected in the special jumper their players wore for that round.
What commenced as a traditional Ladies Game against the Glenroy Football Club has transformed into a celebration of women from Friday night until Sunday’s final siren and was supported by all Hillside teams that played at home that weekend.
The EDFL supported the senior match by showcasing the female umpiring squad, selecting female field, boundary and goal umpires.
Nearly 200 people including players, coaches, club administrators and supporters took the White Ribbon Oath and the club produced a fantastic and powerful video for this.
Thanks also to the other EDFL clubs who supported the weekend: Tullamarine Football Club who supported the day through their Club, Senior, Reserves and U19.5 teams, Keilor Park Football Club who agreed to play an exhibition twilight women's game and embraced the day and the spirit of the day, and the Craigieburn Football Club Under 17 Division 1 boys team who joined the Hillside team in taking the White Ribbon Oath.
West Coburg Football Club hosted the Glenroy Football Club on June 23 at Coburg City Oval in a day focussed on supporting White Ribbon.
The West Coburg club have supported White Ribbon for a number of years, and dedicated this match following the tragic death of Eurydice Dixon in Princes Park 10 days earlier.
Both clubs, the EDFL and the full umpiring panel all participated in a moving pre-game ceremony.
The West Coburg Football Club are commended for their ongoing support of White Ribbon.
Good luck for the weekend.
