The 2nd Annual Dads & Lads Event will kick off on Sunday this week at Townson Oval in Merewether, bringing generations of rugby players together in support of Mental Health awareness.
The event has grown significantly since its first run last year, with six teams participating on Sunday, the youngest player aged 18 and the oldest 72 years young.
Merewether Carlton President John Davis said that last year's event was a great success, reflecting some of the most enduring aspects of the Greens and the community.
"We are excited to see John and his organising committee grow the event and tackle an issue that affects so many Australians," he said.
To keep it safe and fun for the father and son teams, the event will be played under Golden Oldies, which will see players over 60 years wearing red, yellow or purple shorts which will restrict them from being tackled.
The Dads & Lads fundraiser came about when founder John Wilson was playing a game of touch footy with his sons on the beach, discussing the opportunities to play rugby together.
"We came up with the idea and took in to the president of the club, we would raise money and initially just awareness for mental health challenges in our community and encourage young men and adults to speak up about their challenges, a problem shared is a problem halved," Mr Wilson said.
"I have seen a lot of that in the last 12 months, I've had players and past players come to me and share their challenges and I think it has been beneficial for all of us."
"Using the vehicle of a rugby event with fathers and sons, past and present players we are aiming to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by so many Australians."
Mr Wilson said the support and response for the event has been overwhelming, which shows how important it is for events like these to help raise awareness and encourage people to speak up about their challenges.
"I think it is very important for the community to acknowledge that there are people out there that are struggling in one way or another with mental health. It comes across all of us at one stage, whether it be a family member or a friend," he said.
"The response has just been overwhelming from the sponsors who we are really thankful for, that help the event take place and just the general community members"
The event is expected to raise around $10,000 which will be donated to the Merewether Carlton Foundation, with the funds being directed to the roll out of the clubs Welfare and Wellbeing Program.
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| Image: Merewether Carlton Rugby Club |
