THE past week has reinforced the idea more than ever that we need to check in on our mates.
Sporting clubs more than any have the power to change the norms and break the mould and provide support, especially for men.
The passing of former AFL forward Cam McCarthy last week brought to the fore again the need to check in our mates.
Merbein Football and Netball Club’s annual It’s Okay, Not To Be Okay day only a few weeks ago is a brilliant initiative aimed at continuing the conversation.
But the norms of years past, of males not sharing feelings, still require extra shifting.
As someone who has been through mental health issues like myself, I know the places your mind can go to.
But don’t just take my rhetoric for it.
Mental health awareness program The Shaka Project have long aimed at breaking down the barriers for men’s mental health.
Program director Sean Phillip was kind enough to spare some time for the Daily, and as someone who has experienced these issues first hand, and provides programs for sporting clubs among other organisations at all levels, he has a better handle than most.
The Shaka Project is aimed at igniting conversations between men when it comes to their health.
“Often too it’s about helping give men ‘permission’ about opening up towards others, sometimes if one person does it, others feel like they can too,” Phillip said.
“The big thing is about changing the culture around men’s conversations and how we look after our mates.
“Often fundraisers and events are based around the consumption of alcohol, and obviously that’s more difficult for country clubs to be doing something different, but I believe there has to be some sort of shift from the norm.
“It’s not about saying don’t enjoy yourself but no beer or no bet is more important than your mate’s wellbeing.
“All we say is that we shouldn’t be afraid of checking in our mates.
“You also don’t need all the answers, that’s not your job, but touching base is the best place to start.”
As The Shaka Project has said, normalise checking in on your mates, giving them a hug and reinforcing to them that they matter.
Extend that love and support to mates on the other side of the boundary line.
You can follow The Shaka Project on all social media channels and can purchase merchandise through their website.
CHANGING FORTUNES
ISN’T it funny how fortunes can vary when it comes to sport.
Rewind 12 months and English soccer clubs Ipswich Town and Forest Green Rovers were plying their trade in League One, the third tier of English football.
Now Ipswich, with Aussies Massimo Luongo and Cam Burgess on their books, have secured a second successive promotion and the Tractor Boys will move from the Championship to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Rovers meanwhile have endured a second straight relegation, now demoted from League two into the National League, only one-step above the semi-professional level and a league which can be purgatory for clubs.
The agony and ecstasy of sport is laid bare right there.
PROPER PRE-MATCH STUFF
LOOK across your social media channels and there’s chance you’ve found clips of an unlikely pairing of a classically trained violinist and soccer fans.
Evangeline Victoria has been blowing up for her killer A-League pre-match performances at recent Melbourne Victory home games with her renditions of Seven Nation Army and Freed From Desire respectively.
It has been a hit with even AFL fans demanding their clubs get Evangeline involved before their games.
This is the kind of outside-of-the-box entertainment leagues should capitalise on.
One for the SFNL to think about, especially on grand final day or even cubs before big matchups. Not sure if violin specifically would translate here but something along similar lines on the big day in September… sign me up!
