WE often talk about the important role that EDFL clubs play within our community.
Over the past two weekends and again this coming Saturday, l have been lucky to experience this firsthand.
All of our clubs undertake activities which pay due recognition to individuals, causes and organisations who are very deserving.
Already in 2019, we have seen clubs support Umpire Appreciation, Beyond Blue and Sockit2MND rounds, as well as our feature matches played on ANZAC Day.
On Saturday June 29th I attended the Hillside Football Club, where they celebrated Ladies Round.
Hillside players wore a special guernsey with pink features and there were many other visual references to the important role females play at the Hillside club and in EDFL football.
All EDFL umpires wore unique pink uniforms on the day to support the occasion.
A highlight was just prior to the senior match where players and coaches from both the Hillside and Taylors Lakes clubs took the white ribbon oath (pictured).
Last Saturday, the Airport West Football Club celebrated NAIDOC Week with a pre-match luncheon.
The club arranged a fantastic panel of speakers who shared their interesting backgrounds and what NAIDOC Week meant to them.
The reasons behind Airport West player Koolyn Briggs’ design of the club’s indigenous guernsey were shared.
This weekend Coburg Districts and Burnside Heights Football Clubs will both wear indigenous guernseys in their match at Cole Reserve.
A ‘Welcome to Country’ and Smoking Ceremony are planned for the day, with all activities part of the celebration of NAIDOC week.
It has been fantastic to have the opportunity to enjoy these activities from clubs across all three senior men’s divisions.
In highlighting these three, l recognise and thank all EDFL clubs for the time and effort they commit to their important role in the local community.
Good luck to everyone this weekend.
