Cowboys kick off field of dreams with Kith and Kin

Disability and mental health support group Kith and Kin will lead the charge as the first group to experience a Cowboys home game this season, kicking off the club’s 2025 Field of Dreams program.

Alison Jackson, Ethan Figg, Sam McIntyre, John Costigan, Alfred Wimblett (Kith and Kin CEO).

Disability and mental health support group Kith and Kin will be the first organisation to be invited to experience a North Queensland Cowboys home game this season as the NRL club kickstarts it’s 2025 iteration of the Field of Dreams program.

The initiative delivers 30 tickets to organisations who represent disadvantaged people for every home game, something that those Kith and Kin supports are sometimes unable to experience, said CEO Alfred Wimblett.

“Our Kith and Kin community members face a variety of challenges which means they can sometimes be or feel socially excluded or disadvantaged, even for things most of us take for granted like going to the footy,” Mr Wimblett said.

Sam McIntyre, John Costigan.

“The Cowboys are a huge part of the identity and culture of North Queensland and through the Field of Dreams program they’re able to experience the magic, excitement and camaraderie of being truly part of that.”

This time the tickets were handed over by powerful utility forward Sam McIntyre, who was quick to get involved in some sporting activities with the recipients.

“Sport is a powerful and fun way to encourage healthy lifestyle habits, and we have lots of Cowboys fans here as well, so having Sam McIntyre visit and be so involved in our sport activities was very special for all of us,” Mr Wimblett said.

For McIntyre himself, the opportunity was a chance to connect with the community, and gain a few tips for Saturday’s clash with the Sharks.

Larissa Tanna, Sam McIntyre and Joseph Matthews.

“I was very impressed and honestly inspired today,” McIntyre said.

“It was great to deliver the tickets, but also seeing how enthusiastic, resilient, and grateful the Kith and Kin community members were during their sport class was awesome, I’ll try to bottle some of that when I run out on Saturday,” he said.

“Knowing the challenges so many of our fans and fellow North Queenslander’s face every day, it’s great that for at least those 80 minutes they can escape that and just enjoy the footy.”

Originally published as Cowboys kick off field of dreams with Kith and Kin