Goodwood Saints football and cricket clubs launch blue bench mental health campaign

One of SA’s biggest local footy and cricket clubs has launched a mental health campaign ahead of the 2024 season, encouraging members of the club and community to speak up about their challenges.

Goodwood Saints football president Jordan Dodd and cricket president Warwick Potts. Picture: Daniel Renfrey

One of SA’s biggest local sporting clubs has launched a mental health campaign in hopes of encouraging players, club and community members to break the stigma and speak up about their challenges.

The Goodwood Saints Football Club and Goodwood Cricket Club have installed a blue bench on the sidelines of Goodwood Oval to encourage players, staff and members to sit and discuss their mental health hurdles.

Saints stalwart Colin Shipton pitched the idea to the club and the City of Unley Council after coming across a blue tree in country SA as part of the ‘Blue Tree Project’ which works to spread mental health awareness across Australia.

Shipton said the initiative was of significant importance to the club, which has been among local sport leaders in the mental health space since the tragic passing of former Richmond and Goodwood player Shane Tuck in 2020.

Goodwood Saints have launched a 'Blue Bench' mental health campaign to promote mental health awareness. Picture: Daniel Renfrey

“A blue bench or a blue tree, it’s designed to be a conversation starter and a symbol for the importance of mental health,” Shipton said.

“Country clubs are really leading the way with this and I think every council and community in metro areas should be involved in doing something to promote mental health awareness and encourage people to feel comfortable about discussing their mental health.”

Shipton believed the installation of the bench could have a major impact on club and community members and be the start of a bigger overall campaign across Adelaide’s sporting codes.

“I’ve had a really good life but I still had some issues. For whatever reason I just felt that life wasn’t good, and I think a lot of us go through that,” he said.

“There are a number of people at this club who have gone through similar experiences and we know that when someone sits on that bench it’s because they need somebody to talk to.

Councillor Don Palmer and Goodwood Football Club stalwart Colin Shipton are pushing for a blue tree to be installed at the club. Picture: Daniel Renfrey

“If the Unley Council can lead the way with this, and other clubs in Adelaide can get on board whether it’s bowling, rugby, cricket, tennis and so on, I think we can have a really positive impact on a lot of lives.”

City of Unley councillor Don Palmer revealed he was also pushing for a real or metal blue tree to be installed at the club by the 2025 season.

“I think it would be great to see at the club and brilliant for the community,” Mr Palmer said.

“If we can get this ball rolling I think it can have a major impact.”

Football club president Jordan Dodd said the club would continue to hold mental health events throughout the season with the aim of educating and helping as many people as possible.

“We think this is a great initiative and we’re going to keep holding our usual events throughout the year.

“If you start a conversation and end up making a difference for one person, it’s all worth it.”