By Tony Ryan of the Northern Districts Tigers

Game day looked a little bit different at Hollymount Park on May 18, with the Northern Districts Tigers hosting a community-driven inclusion round.

The club partnered with the southern branch of the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA) and the Homeless Hub, and players wore rainbow socks and hung pride banners and posters in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The opponents on the day were the Kiama Power in the Women’s and Men’s Premier Division, and the Wollongong Bulldogs in Men’s Reserve Grade.

Club president Leigh Forsyth said inspiration for the round stemmed from the long relationships with the two organisations, as well the club’s support for the AFL’s Pride Round initiative.

The DSAA is a fantastic group that helps people living with a disability try surfing safely with the help of volunteer instructors. Its relationship with the Tigers dates back more than 25 years.

The association’s president, Ian Picton, reflected on the club’s past fundraising efforts: “About 10 years ago they had a jumper raffle which bought us a wheelchair which we actually still use to this day.

“I think they also gave us $10,000 in the end, for a club like that to raise that money and not use it for themselves, but give it back to the community, for us was fantastic.”

Ian is a long-time supporter of the club. “We always say what goes around comes around, they help us. I live close to the ground so I’ll go down and help officiate where I can …”

The Disabled Surfers Association’s involvement included tossing the coin before the men’s and women’s Premier Division games. A trophy was awarded to the best performing player in each game by one of the association’s participants.

In terms of fundraising for this year’s event, the Tigers hosted a pool competition with all profits from entry fees going to the DSAA. Donations were also accepted at the game.

The Wollongong Homeless Hub helps people in many ways. It provides food assistance, helps families and individuals access government services and runs programs assisting clients to overcome barriers and establish new tenancies.

The club accepted non-perishable food items, clothing and toiletries on the day to donate to the Homeless Hub, as well as cash donations.

CEO Mandy Booker brought the Hub’s mobile laundry to the ground so people could see the fantastic work the Hub does. The clubroom was full of donations and the club was appreciative of the Kiama and the Bulldogs teams who came with donations. Casey White, AFL South Coast community football and competition manager, said: “The Inclusion Round concept is a fantastic and creative initiative.”

The men’s team had a great win over Kiama to remain undefeated on top of the ladder, while the AFLW side, who has been promoted to the Premier division, registered their first win.

Find out more about these great local organisations at www.whhhs.org.au and www.disabledsurfers.org/nsw-south-coast