Manly United and Northern Tigers up for Zaidee’s Cup
A brand new piece of silverware will be up for grabs when Manly United’s youth sides take on the Northern Tigers this weekend.
Both clubs have joined forces to introduce the Zaidee’s Cup, which will be awarded to the most successful club from the U13-U16 age groups.
Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation was created in 2004 following the passing of Zaidee Turner and aims to raise awareness surrounding the need for organ and tissue donor registration, particularly amongst young people.
Zaidee’s Foundation are also partnered with Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI), the largest child health research institute in Australia and one of the top three worldwide for research quality and impact.
As part of the initiative, all players will promote the foundation by wearing a pair of rainbow laces that will be supplied by the club.
Saturday is set to mark the inaugural edition of an ongoing competition that will reignite every time both clubs square off in a round of competitive fixtures.
“Connecting people through sport is one of our key pillars in our strategy,” said Kent Lunney from Zaidee’s Foundation.
“One of the outcomes of sport is that we have healthier individuals and healthier communities which hopefully results in less of a need for organ transplant. If it is necessary, then we hope through these events more people are aware and more people become registered donors.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players to get behind a united cause, have a bit of fun with it an, put a little bit more on the line to hopefully win on the day.”
“At Manly United we believe it is important to develop good people as well as good football players and as a community sporting group we should be aware of, and assist with promoting, important charities that relate to the well-being of young children,” added Manly United CEO David Mason.
“The Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation raises awareness for the need for organ and tissue donor registration to help save and improve the lives of young children by encouraging discussion amongst families to the benefits of registering to be an organ and tissue donor.
“We have been talking to Northern Tigers for a while about uniting to assist a charity that benefits young people and we are proud to play for the Zaidee’s Cup on Saturday. I have no doubt our players will embrace the day and we look forward to starting what both clubs hope will be a long tradition.”
You can find out more about the remarkable work of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation and donate here: https://www.zaidee.org/home
By Chris Curulli
