By JARROD POTTER
THERE’S more to footy than just the final score.
This humble message resonated throughout the South East Juniors (SEJ) competition over the weekend as part of the broader message of the Spirit of Football Round.
SEJ footballers – from Parkmore to Tooradin-Dalmore, Nar Nar Goon to Narre Warren and all points in between on the football compass – donned green armbands on Sunday to represent solidarity as a community.
The round was the brainchild of the Beehive Foundation – to create a week celebrating the community aspects of football and how we all stand together in pursuit of our common passion.
Beehive Foundation co-founder Mark Haughton believes the round can change the community perception of “us and them” on the football field, and he was proud to see the juniors embrace the positive spirit of the occasion.
“It means the world to us – it means the Beehive Foundation is reaching out to the community and helping to give kids the perspective on other reasons to play footy besides the scoreboard,” Haughton said.
“Of course it’s always great to win, but we’re identifying with the community of football just as much – there’s one team out there that lost and one that won and yet they’re arm in arm.”
The best and fairest player from each team (as selected by the opposition coach) received a Spirit of Football medal, with the South East Juniors and Beehive Foundation awarding over 200 medals on the occasion.
“We’ve come together to celebrate the great game – the best game in the world I believe – and to have respect for the same sporting community,” Haughton said.
“It’s very powerful and the reach of the event is over 10,000 footballers so the main driver is to encourage kids to be competitive, but to also enjoy the spirit of sport.
“At the end of the day it’s a game and we should be enjoying it.”
Haughton confirmed Beehive Foundation – based out of Narre Warren North – was keen to expand the Spirit of Football Round to other leagues throughout Australia.
Haughton wanted to thank the SEJ for their support of the Spirit of Football Round and the clubs, coaches, players and supporters for wholeheartedly embracing it.
For more information on the Beehive Foundation – and its work to help young people cope with depression and anxiety – visit its website www.beehivefoundation.org.au.
