Watch or take part in a community Aussie Rules match this Sunday while supporting a good cause.
The 5th Canberra Reclink Community Cup will take place at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval on 13 October where The Limestones (musicians) will take on The Noise (media).
Event co-coordinator David Lane said the annual charity match pitted Canberra musicians against Canberra media personnel.
“It’s a winner-takes-all game of footy,” he said.
On top of the football, there will be live music by punk band Gunk, First World Problems and members of indie pop choir Mixtape Chorus.
Proceeds from the day go to Reclink Australia’s programs across the country. The not-for-profit’s programs aim to “provide moments of joy, human connection, opportunity and a sense of purpose for participants”.
Mr Lane said the Limestones had won the previous four matches.
“Despite the lopsided scoreline of wins, every game has come down to one kick—whether it’s six points (a goal) or one point (a behind), it’s usually been decided on the final siren,” he said.
“While it’s a dominant record for one team, it’s been very close each year.”
Mr Lane encouraged community members to watch or take part.
“Come down for an awesome day of fun,” he said.
“We don’t take ourselves seriously; the footy is secondary to the feeling of supporting the community and a great community organisation.
“For some of us, the glory days are gone or are never coming, so it’s our day to feel like superstars. I will be suiting up (for The Noise) and so will others.”
While the community cup began in Melbourne in 1993, with other states joining in later years, Mr Lane brought the friendly match to Canberra in 2017.
“I’ve known about the Reclink Community Cup from the major event in Melbourne and was envious of them grabbing big names, coaches, players and bands and crowds of upwards of 5,000 people,” Mr Lane said.
“In 2017, they were in another state for the first time, and they boasted that they were truly national, then me and another chap, Tim Daly, piped up and went ‘Hang on a minute, what about Canberra?’”
Mr Lane said identities who have participated in the match in previous years include members of the bands The Cat Empire, Sidewinder, Lost Coast and Glitoris, politicians Shane Rattenbury and Mark Parton and ABC Canberra Breakfast broadcaster Adam Shirley.
if you’re keen to join one of the teams there are still spots available – registrations and information can be found at communitycup.com.au/canberra.
The gates open at noon with the match beginning at 2pm.
A launch and jersey presentation will be held at Smith’s Alternative on Saturday 12 October from 6-8pm.
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