Clarence and Kingborough to contest Franklin Cup in awareness of prostate cancer

Two NPL clubs are set to join forces this Sunday to raise funds and awareness for a much greater cause than football. See the details.

While Sunday’s NPL clash between Kingborough United and Clarence shapes as an important contest in the context of both clubs’ season, the final result is set to take a back seat to a much greater cause.

Both the Lions and the Zebras have joined forces and are set to come together to raise funds and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

The match will be contested for the Franklin Cup – the electorate both clubs reside in – with the Lions currently fifth on the table off the back of three straight wins while the Zebras sit in sixth place and have lost five games in a row.

Kobe Kemp of Kingborough Lions and Isky Van Doorne of South Hobart FC during the National Premier Leagues (NPL) football match between South Hobart and Kingborough Lions at South Hobart Oval in Hobart, Saturday 18th March 2023. Picture: Anthony Corke / Solstice Digital

Clarence spokesman Gary Pitchford said that the Zebras were looking forward to raising funds for a good cause with many involved at the club affected by the disease.

“Our club has had many members who have been affected by prostate cancer, either directly or have had family members who have fought this unfortunate disease and this is a great opportunity for us as a club to show our support and aim towards increasing awareness to all our members and players,” Pitchford said.

Prostate cancer survivors, Rick Bennett and Andrei Norris, are volunteering at the event and have praised the clubs for using their platforms to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

“For me, it’s about having an opportunity to create conversations and let men know it’s a simple blood test,” Bennett said.

“If detected early, successful and measured outcomes can be achieved. When I was diagnosed, it didn’t only affect myself but my family too. Being married for over 27 years and having two boys – this is not just an old man’s disease, this affects many around you and having my family part of my journey has helped me push towards a positive outcome.”

Sunday’s game kicks off at 2:30pm from Wentworth Park.