By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
THE Under-13 team from Yarraville Seddon is set to follow in the foot steps of their AFL heroes and give back to their community.
Names Eagles Rock, the players have decided to take part in Relay for Life, an overnight experience that raises important funds for Council Cancer research, prevention and support services.
Eagles Rock Team Manager Karen Watkins said after the group of youngsters won the premiership last season, they wanted to further strengthen the bond they have by giving back.
“It is quite a unique experience during the 24 hour period, it is one of those things where we can come together and show mateship and respect for one another and what it means to give back and set goals,” she said.
“When you are in a team that is what you have to do, set goals.
“I think if you do a lot more off the field and you band together it can only make you stronger when you are on the field.”
Ms Watkins said a team sport wasn’t just about the results on the field, it was about the comradery and mateship off the ground as well.
“We wanted to follow in the AFL’s steps, where their players give back to communities, we want to try and do the same thing,” she said.
“Together with the parents we thought, we should start doing some community work and decided on forming two campaigns, one is Relay for Life and the other was Sleep at the G.
“We think these two events were relevant to this age group.”
Ms Watkins said they were at the age where they understood the impact Cancer has on someone who is diagnosed and their family.
“The players understand Relay for Life is a cause to find a cure for cancer and they know first-hand repercussions of a horrible disease that we need to find a cure for,” she said.
“I can’t tell you one person that hasn’t been affected by cancer.
“To let the boys come up with ideas and to be able to give back to teammates and friends who are going through hardships, I believe is a wonderful thing to do.”
Eagles Rock have had an overwhelming response from the community when it comes to raising money for the Cancer Council.
The group set their fundraising goal of $1500, but almost hit that number after the first event, and has since doubled that figure.
Ms Watkins said the group is now aiming to raise $5000.
“Once you have reached that amount, we are then up for a research award, which means if you have raised over $5000 those funds you have raised go toward a specific research fund, so if the majority of our team is interested in melanoma research we can nominate the funds to go there,” she said.
Ms Watkins said if anyone wanted to make a donation to the team they could visit the Relay for Life website here: http://bit.ly/1QZrgsF
Eagles Rock will take part in Relay for Life in Albert Park on April 16 and 17.
Last Modified on 17/03/2016 14:27