Men of League change name to Family of League, recognising charity’s growth

Since rugby league legend Ron Coote helped spearhead Men of League 20 years ago, the charity’s footprint has changed, and now the name has too.

Originally founded in 2002 to support banged up male rugby league players, the Men of League foundation’s legacy has grown to encompass the game’s women and children.

After two decades, the organisation has changed its name to Family of League with chair Helen Wood Grant saying the evolution is one of organic growth.

“When Ron Coote and his fellow founders built it, the foundation was entirely appropriate for the times,” Ms Wood Grant said.

“Over time the foundation’s committees, who are our pipeline back to the communities, started to identify women and children who had made a contribution to the game who were having problems.

“So it has been an evolution within our own organisation and our rebranding tells that story, while still honouring the organisation’s heritage.”

Family of League chair Helen Wood Grant. Picture: Family of League

Funded by a mix of grants, memberships and the generous support of donors and sponsors, this year the organisation invested more than $1.1 million in wellbeing initiatives to support the everyday heroes of rugby league.

Heroes like 29-year-old Jack Hardman, a Parramatta junior and former player for the Camden Rams in Sydney’s southwest.

Valleys Diehards former teammates (from left) Peter O'Callaghan, Joe Canavan, Alan Beauchamp and Greg Perrett at the Men of League golf day at Toowoomba Golf Club, Friday, February 4, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With two young children, the electrician and his wife Kristen had their lives turned upside down when three-year-old son Kye was diagnosed with a rare neurodegenerative condition known as Sanfillipo Syndrome.

With no cure or treatment, the condition often referred to as childhood dementia left Jack juggling the burden as the family’s sole provider while Kristen provided full time care.

From there, all it took was one individual within the Family of League’s network of 6500 members and volunteers along Australia’s east coast to take up the slack.

“The organisation’s western Sydney committee often meets at the Coolibah Hotel in Merrylands – my mum and family have been closely associated with the hotel for many years,” said Mr Hardman.

“My details were given to one of the members. Since then Family of League have been unbelievable, they have helped provide financially and even offered psychological support.”

The Hardman family (L-R), Grace, mum Kristen, Kye and dad Jack at home in Camden, 2022. Picture: Family of League

With the majority of his leave entitlements exhausted, the charity’s assistance with mortgage repayments, living costs and medical expense shortfalls has allowed Mr Hardman to cherish more time in the company of his loving family.

But the Hardman’s are just as grateful for the generosity that compliments the financial support.

“It’s like a community where we can go to events attended by people that are understanding and supportive,” said Mr Hardman. “For me it offers relief, I can get things off my chest and talk in an environment where I feel comfortable.”

For Wood Grant, it's just one part of the foundation’s evolution synonymous with the rebrand.

“For a very long time, we were only asked to support physical challenges,” the Family of League chair said.

“As time has gone on, and certainly in the last five to seven years, the outreach to us also encompasses mental health issues.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAMILY OF LEAGUE