Local sport: Glen Waverley Hawks spearhead EFNL breast cancer fundraiser

Local sports organisations across the state have been turning pink and digging deep in a push to stamp out breast cancer, including this eastern suburbs-based club.

It hasn’t just been the Melbourne Demons turning the grandstands pink of late.

Grassroots clubs across the state have been busily raising much-needed funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) in a bid to stamp the insidious disease out.

And one local football club in Melbourne’s east has spearheaded its league’s charge in a recent effort, topping the total amount raised by a single club among the competition.

Glen Waverley Hawks, which compete in Division 3 of the Eastern league, raised more than $4000 for breast cancer research in last month’s Play4BCNA Round.

Glen Waverley Hawks players donned the pink all in the name of charity. Picture: Supplied

The terraces were awash with pink among a packed bottomless brunch match-day function held at the club’s Round 5 clash with the Waverley Blues.

BCNA merchandise flew off the shelves and raffle tickets sold like hot cakes with senior and junior footballers, netballers and supporters alike donning the pink socks and beanies in the fight against the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women.

According to the BCNA, more than 20,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year as well as more than 170 men.

The MCG turned pink on June 23 for the Demons’ annual Pink Lady Match. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

It’s a cause that hits close to home for Glen Waverley digital media manager Jayden Adolph, who along with netball co-ordinator Emily Armstrong and secretary Michelle O’Callaghan organised the occasion with the “phenomenal” support of the committee.

“We ordered over 120 beanies, 50 or 60 pairs of laces for the juniors to wear, over 100 pairs of socks, and every single person in the club got involved which was great,” Adolph said.

“Only a couple of weeks ago I found out my mum got diagnosed with it, so it pulled the heartstrings a bit.

“It’s unbelievable … for such a little club, Division 3, to know the club rallied around and raised this much money for such a worthy cause, it makes me proud to be a part of it to be honest.”

Glen Waverley and the Waverley Blues joined forces in the fight against breast cancer. Picture: Supplied

The players didn’t need to be asked twice, as all the beanies ran out on the door on the Thursday night prior to the match with an additional 80 needing to be ordered.

“Our playing group were brilliant – we asked them to buy a pair of socks, if not a beanie as well each and they didn’t hesitate at all. It was a whole club effort – it was seriously impressive,” Adolph said.

The Hawks are among a host of local clubs to have supported the initiative.

Fellow Eastern club Chirnside Park in conjunction with Blackburn and Mooroolbark raised $5393 at a Pink Sports Day round robin, while Bellarine’s Ocean Grove Football Netball Club ($22,004), the VAFA ($13,555) and Northern’s Panton Hill FNC ($7463) were among the other top fundraisers.

Guests enjoy festivities at the Hawks’ recent breast cancer fundraiser. Picture: Supplied

Adolph hopes his club’s effort can help make a difference as he looks forward to more events in the future.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the committee for playing their part in what was one of the best days ever (and) hopefully that $4000 we raised can go a long way.”

To host a Pink Sports Day at your club or to donate to the BCNA, visit pinksportsday.bcna.org.au.