Football fields across NSW to be turned purple for pancreatic cancer

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During the month of September, football players from clubs and codes across the nation will be pulling on their purple socks to help raise awareness for a disease that is on track to become the third most common cancer killer in Australia this year. 

The #PlayinPurple campaign is in its sixth year and continues to grow since inception with over 3500 players wearing purple socks to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer in 2019.

Isabella Di Manno started the campaign in 2015 after the sudden death of her fiancee’s mother to the disease. Her family had always been very involved in football, and Isabella saw this as the perfect way to raise awareness and critical funds into research, improving diagnosis and treatment.

“The campaign continues to grow from strength to strength each year, drawing much needed attention to pancreatic cancer.

“It’s wonderful to see the participation grow across clubs, codes and regions and reading the testimonials and talking to players, it’s clear the campaign unities communities through active participation and acts as a positive talking point between people who might not necessarily know the outcomes of pancreatic cancer,” Di Manno said.

Avner Foundation CEO, Michelle Stewart echoed Di Manno’s comments.

“We are excited to see playing fields Australia-wide turned purple for pancreatic cancer, and awareness on this scale is exactly what we need to help shine a light on this disease.

“This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to increase engagement between clubs, players and the community, all participating for a very important cause – pancreatic cancer awareness.”

Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge was proud to show his support for the #PlayinPurple campaign.

“Football NSW are proud to be supporting a wonderful community initiative, combining the wonderful code of football with truly ground-breaking campaigns such as the: #PlayinPurple – Football socks campaign for the Avner Panceatic Cancer Foundation.

“We kindly encourage our football family to do their bit in getting behind this amazing initiative.”

Both the Manly Warringah Football Association and Sutherland Shire Football Association have thrown its support behind this quality campaign.

“The Manly Warringah Football Association is proud to support Purple Sock Day to help raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. Grassroots football plays an important role in our Community and we encourage as many teams and clubs as possible to get behind the #PlayinPurple campaign,” said MWFA CEO David Mason.

“Pancreatic cancer is on the rise and SSFA is proud to support this important awareness-raising initiative again in 2020. The spirit of sportsmanship is wonderful as local football fields become awash with purple socks, and I encourage associations across the state to participate,” SSFA General Manager Jeff Stewart stated.

The #PlayinPurple 2020 campaign has been supported by Football NSW and high-profile associations since inception but this year sees endorsement and direct support from A-League Clubs Sydney FC and Perth Glory, with both clubs sharing key campaign messages and offering high participating clubs free match day tickets for the 2021 season.

Due to a delayed start to the grass roots football season across Australia, the #PlayinPurple 2020 campaign will run in the first few weeks of September, with clubs and associations having the ability to select the weekend that is most convenient to them.

Pancreatic cancer is projected to claim more lives than breast cancer and prostate cancer, and each year almost 4,000 people will be diagnosed with approximately 80 per cent of patients diagnosed will die within 12 months. The disease has the lowest survival rates of all main cancer types, yet, despite these figures, pancreatic cancer trails behind other cancers when it comes to funding for research, receiving less than 8 per cent of the funding available

Key information:

  • #PlayinPurple 2020 runs in the first three weekends of September (clubs choose their round to play in purple socks)
  • All players, clubs and codes are encouraged to participate Australia wide, with a simple change of your local club socks to purple socks for one weekend!
  • Avner Foundation purple socks are $15 per pair and the funds raised will go toward pancreatic cancer research and patient support
  • A #PlayinPurple pack including a social media guide is provided. Campaign hashtags #playinpurple #pancreaticcancer @avnersfoundation
  • Socks can be ordered through the online store: fcw.com.au/shop-product/avner-foundation-socks/
  • Clubs and associations are able to make a direct donation to Avner Foundation

For more information please contact: info@avnersfoundation.org.au or visit the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation website

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