White City FC Beograd’s Dawson Bojanic spreading mental health message in the National Premier League

A star National Premier League goalkeeper is using his season to spread an important message after the tragic loss of his godfather and SAPOL member to suicide.

An SA National Premier League star is using his platform to spread awareness for mental health this season after a family tragedy.

Eighteen-year-old White City goalkeeper Dawson Bojanic has taken a role as a Hey Sport, R U OK? champion after the loss of his godfather to suicide in late 2021.

Through the initiative Bojanic has been raising funds and awareness for mental health initiatives in soccer, with the hope it will spark a change in the way clubs approach the issue.

Bojanic said he wanted to undertake the journey after the death of his godfather – a long-time SA Police member.

Supplied by Dawson Bojanic

“He worked in many high stress areas and joined the federal police and worked in some pretty tough conditions in the Solomon Islands as well,” Bojanic said.

“His passing has been hard for family and friends to accept. He was always an outgoing person and always smiling so it came as a shock.

“I’ve wanted to get involved in this ever since in his honour. You never know what someone is going through and people need to know it’s ok to not feel ok and that they are supported.”

Bojanic is not only a top senior goalkeeper in the National Premier League but also a coach of the White City juniors, and spends a lot of time at his club.

Bojanic in action for Eastern United in 2021. Picture: Dawson Bojanic

He said that while sport was enjoyable, it could sometimes induce high amounts of stress.

“Playing in sport, especially team sport, is a heap of fun but sometimes people don’t see the stress, whether it be injury, selection and so on,” Bojanic said.

“It’s mentally exhausting and draining, so this is all about working in team environments and making sure you’re checking up on your teammates – one question can make all the difference.

“In team sport you’re surrounded by upwards of 15 people most of the time and it can be hard to gauge how people are really feeling so I want to help to make people feel welcome and ok, whether they’re senior or junior players or just part of the club.”

Dawson Bojanic

Through funds raised, Bojanic has had goalkeeping gloves spelling out his message made, now wearing them during games and has also set up initiatives with his club.

“Mental health needs to be on the forefront for local sport I think and so far White City has been really good, really supportive,” he said.

“Everyone at the club has been making sure to check in with each other and we’re also planning on doing some nights at the club around mental health and dedicating a night match to the cause as well which is great.

“If I can help just one person with this it would really be worth it.”

To donate to the cause, visit Dawson Bojanic’s GoFundMe.