Football players across Australia to #PlayinPurple for pancreatic cancer

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Football players in Australia will be pulling on their purple socks next month to help raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.

The #PlayinPurple campaign was started by Isabella Di Manno in 2015, after the death of her fiancée’s mother due to the illness.

Pancreatic cancer is projected to claim more lives than breast and prostate cancer with around 80 percent of diagnosed patients to die within a year.

In 2019, over 3500 players around the nation wore purple socks to raise awareness for the disease, with the campaign raising funds for research, improving diagnosis and treatment.

“The campaign continues to grow from strength to strength each year, drawing much needed attention to pancreatic cancer,” Di Manno said.

“It’s wonderful to see the participation grow across clubs, codes and regions and reading the testimonials and talking to players, it’s clear the campaign unities communities through active participation and acts as a positive talking point between people who might not necessarily know the outcomes of pancreatic cancer.”

Avner Foundation CEO Michelle Stewart added: “We are excited to see playing fields Australia-wide turned purple for pancreatic cancer, and awareness on this scale is exactly what we need to help shine a light on this disease.

“This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to increase engagement between clubs, players and the community, all participating for a very important cause – pancreatic cancer awareness.”

The campaign has been supported by Football NSW since its inception, with CEO Stuart Hodge proud to promote the cause.

“Football NSW are proud to be supporting a wonderful community initiative, combining the wonderful code of football with truly ground-breaking campaigns such as the: #PlayinPurple – Football socks campaign for the Avner Panceatic Cancer Foundation.

“We kindly encourage our football family to do their bit in getting behind this amazing initiative.”

The Manly Warringah Football Association and Sutherland Shire Football Association have also thrown its support behind the initiative.

“The Manly Warringah Football Association is proud to support Purple Sock Day to help raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. Grassroots football plays an important role in our Community and we encourage as many teams and clubs as possible to get behind the #PlayinPurple campaign,” MWFA CEO David Mason said.

“Pancreatic cancer is on the rise and SSFA is proud to support this important awareness-raising initiative again in 2020. The spirit of sportsmanship is wonderful as local football fields become awash with purple socks, and I encourage associations across the state to participate,” claimed SSFA General Manager Jeff Stewart.

More information about the campaign can be found here.

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Football Queensland and SW Brokerage begin new partnership

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Image credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

In an announcement made on Tuesday, Football Queensland revealed that SW Brokerage will become their new Official Financial Wellbeing Partner.

A partnership for on and off the pitch

By collaborating with SW Brokerage, Football Queensland now has an immensely experienced and knowledgable partner capable of pushing them towards their financial goals.

Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci, revealed his confidence that such an alliance will bring huge benefits to clubs and participants in Queensland.

“We’re delighted to welcome SW Brokerage to support our participants across the state to better understand the financial products and services they can benefit from through tailored financial education guides, articles and webinars,” Cavallucci said via official press release.

“As a Residential, Commercial and Business brokerage, SW Brokerage provides services for a variety of clients from first home buyers to commercial loans, SMSF lending and more, and bring a wealth of knowledge for our football community to tap into.”

As Football Queensland continues to form partnerships which can maximise growth and sustainability in the seasons to come, it is no wonder why bringing SW Brokerage on board is seen with such pride.

 

The foundations for a sustainable future

News of collaboration between SW Brokerage and Football Queensland represents another huge milestone for Football Queensland’s future.

In the last two months alone, Football Queensland revealed three partnership agreements, all of which reflect an ambition to support long-term growth across the region’s football pyramid.

  • Restore Function Physiotherapy – Official Physiotherapy Partner
  • BildGroup – Official Infrastructure and Surfacing Partner
  • SW Brokerage – Official Financial Wellbeing Partner

Additionally, if Queensland’s football community is to lay the foundations for future generations of players, coaches and industry leaders, partnerships of this nature will be essential.

They are not established as simple, short-term collaborations, but are effective alliances which can bring real benefits to all involved in the region’s football community.

About SW Brokerage

With over 100 years of combined experience, SW Brokerage is a trusted team of experienced professionals offering help and guidance with a multitude of financial solutions.

They offer services across residential, commercial, business, SMSF, medical and construction lending. However, despite their obvious financial prowess, they also valuable a personal approach. The team ensures that processes are simple and tailored to their clients needs and financial goals.

For more information about SW Brokerage, click here. 

Football Victoria Announces 2026 Country Championships To Be Held in Geelong

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Image Credit: Football Geelong

Football Victoria (FV) is delighted to confirm that the 2026 Football Victoria Country Championships will be staged in Geelong from June 6-8, 2026.

Over three days, the state’s top regional footballers will compete at Stead Park and Myers Reserve, home to Geelong SC and Geelong Rangers.

The Championships enter their second year under FV’s direct management. This marks the first event since the new regional football model launched in December 2025. Last year, Albury-Wodonga set a new standard. The event drew 4,000 visitors, 69 teams, and more than 1,200 players from across Victoria.

This year, eight regions converge at Geelong. Players, coaches, officials, and families will gather for one of the most anticipated tournaments in the competition’s 40-year history. The Championships remain central to FV’s talent identification strategy. Regional players have a prime opportunity to impress FV’s Talent ID team.

Regional Development Manager Lauren Stevens said she is proud to oversee the event for a second year. “This is the biggest annual celebration of regional playing talent. We’re thrilled to bring the Country Championships to Geelong in 2026,” Stevens said. “With great venues and strong support from the City of Greater Geelong, Football Victoria Geelong, Geelong SC, and Geelong Rangers, this will be an enormous event. We look forward to welcoming every region for a special weekend of football.”

CEO Dan Birrell highlighted the Championships’ vital role for regional football and the FV talent pathway. “This tournament remains one of Victoria’s longest-running football events. It’s a key pillar in our talent identification program. I look forward to celebrating another outstanding Championships with the regional football community.”

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