Reclink’s Community Cup returns for its WA leg this Sunday 6 October, finding a new home at Leederville Oval. Previously held in Fremantle (Walyalup), the beloved annual fundraising footy match between local media (Newshounds) and musicians (Bandgropers) has made the move more centrally – making it easier than ever for the community to get involved.
“Hopefully it means that lots more punters can make it down this year with such a central location,” says Bandgropers Co-Captain, and member of Bribes, Ange Tuffnell. “Being able to fit a petting zoo on site this year is an amazing feat of organisation!”
Apart from this year’s addition of a petting zoo, the family friendly venue has plenty of other kid’s activities on offer, including performances from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and Circus WA.
Of course, no Reclink Community Cup would be complete without a line-up of incredible local artists. Post-match will see Stack of Bibles, Sgt Hulka, and Split Seconds take to the stage, with Tuffnell especially keen to see “Axel Carrington breathe new life into some old footy classics for our half time entertainment.”
The Newshounds Co-Captain and host of the Drastic On Plastic radio show, Lindsay Walton says it will be “great to see live music after the match and with my kids!”
While the match itself brings the community together, it also provides vital fundraising for Reclink Australia, whose structured sport and recreation programs help support those experiencing mental illness, family violence, homelessness, social isolation, gambling harm, unemployment, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Tuffnell and Walton agree that Reclink and events like the Community Cup are crucial for fostering community and improving mental health.
“Sport can really be a game-changer, enabling people to stay active, be connected with community, and try new things,” Tuffnell says. “Any not-for-profit striving to improve lives and inclusion is pretty bloody important in my book – Belonging is smack bang in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for a reason!”
As to where the music and arts community fits into this sports focussed program, “it’s all about community.”
“It’s all connected,” agrees Walton. “Everything we do as a human is connected to everything else, nothing lives in solitude. Music influences art, politics influences music, media informs, sport brings people together. It makes total sense to bring these together.”
And who is tipped to win this weekend? Tuffnell says the real winner will be “the friends we made along the way.”
Reclink Community Cup 2024 will be held at Leederville Oval on Sunday 6 October. Tickets are available online, or limited on the door.
If you are suffering from any of the issues that have been discussed or need assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
