Out of retirement for ‘a great cause’

Retired

footballers and netballers will dust off their gear this weekend in a bid to help people re-engage with their communities after COVID-19.

Grampians Community Health and the ‘Our Community, Our Families’ Committee is organising the fourth over-40s football and netball games competition at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval on Saturday at 4pm.

Grampians Community Health chief executive Greg Little said money raised through sponsorships and attendance would go towards activities supporting people who were struggling to reengage with their communities after the pandemic.

“This lack of engagement has been identified as impacting the mental health of a wide section of our local community,” he said.

“We hope a lot of people come out to watch the games, which are always a lot of fun but also have a serious side to highlight local issues and raise money to support local people.”

Lisa Haddow, an Ararat Eagles netballer, and Josh McDougall, a 300-game Tatyoon footballer who is now retired from the game – both in their early 40s – are among registered players.

Ms Haddow will play in the competition for a second year.

“It’s a great cause and I love that all the funds raised stay locally,” she said.

“It was a really great event last year. There were a lot of people come together who hadn’t seen each other in a long time, and that’s what it’s all about.

“As we get older, even though we might be past our prime, it’s good fun to be able to get out there and have a crack together. I’m lucky and haven’t had any major injuries, so my body is still up for it, but it’s nice in a team to have a blend of youth and wisdom.”

Mr McDougall, Ararat West Primary School’s assistant principal, wants to set a good example with his fitness.

“I try to keep reasonably fit. My boys are starting to play and I think it’s important to be able to run around and have a kick with them,” he said.

Organising committee member Mark Dohnt said the games were ‘a lot of fun’ for players and spectators.

“Most have a lot of fun and we don’t take it too seriously,” he said.

“A lot were handy footballers in their day and they keep reasonably fit, but it’s wise to do some training before-hand.”

Mr Dohnt said the committee had confirmed sponsorship but was still seeking players.

“It’s not so bad with netball, but we need at least 44 players for the football game so that’s always a challenge,” he said.

Ararat and Ballarat Swans will play a practice football match before the over-40s game.

People interested in playing can contact Mr Dohnt via bullyfish21@yahoo.com.au

Last year’s event raised more than $11,000 to establish a carer’s group for parents and grandparents supporting young family members impacted by addiction.

The games were cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, but in previous years, funds have gone towards workplace mental health sessions for men and ‘active bystander’ training, enabling men to identify and challenge violence against women.

SUPPORT: Jo Lane, Kerryn Manning and Melissa Blake at Horsham Harness Racing Club’s Team Teal afternoon tea last week.