Panton Hill netball goal attack Brooke Ryan will be among a record 78,000 players at the centre of a powerful message when she takes to the court for her third Pat Cronin Foundation Round (May 1-3).
The winner of a Foundation medal for her standout performance against Oak Park in last year’s marquee game in the Northern Football Netball League, Ryan, 23, has since become a strong advocate for the initiative, which uses community sport to initiate conversations around social violence – both on and off the playing arena.
With nine leagues involved this year, the round has grown into one of Melbourne’s premier grassroots sporting events – highlighting the importance of controlling emotions such as anger as well as aggression and respecting opponents.
Involving more than 3270 teams in over 120 locations, the round complements the Foundation’s work in schools throughout Australia, delivering specialised violence-prevention education.
It also honours Coward Punch victim Pat Cronin who lost his life after being struck from behind during what was meant to be a quiet night out with friends in 2016.
“All the players are given yellow armbands – the official colour of the Foundation – to wear to symbolise our involvement in the cause, and last year we were also given wristbands,” said Ryan.
The wristband, wrapped around the gear shift in her car and another in her partner’s vehicle, often sparks conversations.
“It’s a small thing, but it starts discussions,” she said. “People ask about it, and it gives you a chance to talk about social violence – which is a concern in social settings in my age group – and ways to avoid it.
“The tips and strategies from the Foundation apply to everyday day life, as well as sport – where emotions are often running high.
“With this being the third time I’ve been involved in the round, I can see the value in the way it connects with the community and promotes positive behaviour.’’
Through its partnership in the Round, the NFNL will ensure its 45 clubs attend the Foundation’s presentation, Live Wise Play Wise, over the next three years.
NFNL CEO Daniel Kelly said: “We see this partnership as a core value of what we stand for as a league in helping inform particularly young people about the harm and repercussions that violence has not only in sport, but in society more broadly.
“We’re proud to be facilitating a hugely important conversation not just with our football and netball participants, but they can take that message away and speak to their family and friends about these issues and continue that cycle of learning.”
Foundation director Matt Cronin said: “Changing attitudes starts with education and we’re proud to be giving clubs the tools and the leadership to take action.
“In addition to almost 80,000 participants this year, our messages will also reach an estimated 300,000 supporters and spectators over the three days of competition.”
