GDFNL pulls up its socks for Read The Play Round

Front: Thomson's Courtney Leith and East Geelong's John McIntyre with official Read The Play football and netballs. Background: Thomson's Sarah Gerritson passing to East Geelong's Laura Rowe, with junior East Geelong netball players Sylvie Jarvis, Mikayla Ferguson, Jasmine Creeley and Dakota Ferguson further back. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

A SPOTLIGHT will shine on mental health this weekend in an exciting new initiative at the grassroots sports level.

Local mental health service provider Read The Play and the Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) have joined forces to add a splash of colour to Read The Play Round (August 4-6).

The Round, will see all senior, Under 16 football, Under 15 netball GDFNL players and game umpires wear specially designed socks during their respective games as part of Read The Play’s Sole Mates initiative.

AFL Barwon clubs that purchased the eye-catching orange and purple socks will also be wearing the footwear at the junior level in their competitions as part of Read The Play Round.

“The GDFNL have been major supporters of Read the Play for over 17 years and this is the perfect demonstration of their commitment to our cause,” Read The Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz said.

“It’s so exciting to have all senior football and A grade netball players wearing the Sole Mates socks on August 5 and if this creates even one conversation about mental health then our job is done.

“The support from our partners, local Geelong businesses and clubs in the Barwon region has been phenomenal, we’ve sold nearly 2,000 pairs of socks to date which is an awesome result.”

The socks aim to start conversations, spread awareness, and raise funds to further improve educational support for Youth Mental Health in local sporting clubs.

Nearly 30 clubs put in orders and more than 1,600 pairs of socks have been sold this year.

Ms Gerdtz said it was a staggering response from the community leading up to the weekend.

“This is like our Christmas at the moment.

“We’ve worked with all local clubs throughout the year to get their programs in place, now it is a time for celebration and a chance to remind the community how important it is to talk about mental health.

“The visibility factor of the socks this weekend is exciting, we’ve never done this before, but we’ll also have clubs in each game competing for the match balls and best on ground medals as well.

“The weekend is also a chance for players to exemplify the best values in local sport, courage, teamwork and looking after your mates.”

The GDFNL’s football and netball fixture between North Geelong FNC and East Geelong FNC will headline the Round at Osborne Park.

Read The Play held its annual Fundraiser Breakfast earlier today (Friday, August 4) at GMHBA Stadium to start Read The Play Round.

For more on Read The Play, head to readtheplay.org.au