NSWRL referees will acknowledge Family of League’s Crazy Socks this weekend by donning the colourful apparel in four Major Competitions, while all players from the 12 teams of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup will also wear them as a reminder of those in need in the Rugby League community.
A total of 7,000 pairs of socks have been sold with all proceeds going to the Family of League’s National Wellbeing Fund to support people undergoing challenging times.
“And again, very typically, that’s the mums, dads and kids involved in club footy – anyone genuinely involved in the game of Rugby League going through a bit of a crisis, who maybe just needs a bit of a helping hand,” Family of League Chief Executive Stephen Lowndes told nswrl.com.au
“Our financial grants help put food on the table, pay the electricity bill or the rent, get that urgent medical treatment or essential mobility aid or home modification which just isn’t practically available elsewhere.
“We’re not a welfare agency, so it’s usually just to help get people back on their feet when things go a bit awry.”
Newcastle Knights half Jack Cogger (pictured above) and the rest of the NSW Cup side wore the socks last weekend as they have a bye in Round 21 this week.
In addition to the 12 teams and officials in six games of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, NSWRL referees officiating in the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, and the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership will also don the socks.
Crazy Socks Rounds have already been held in Queensland and Victoria. This weekend (26-18 July) it is NSW and the ACT’s turn.
“The staggered weekends are really to work around the differing school holidays and a few domestic carnival commitments, because we want as many participating as possible,” Lowndes said.
“This weekend’s participation by our wonderful NSW teams is absolutely terrific – more than 300 teams will be wearing just over 4,100 pairs of Crazy Socks.”
Crazy Socks round began in 2019 with Lowndes saying it has grown in popularity every year since.
“As much as it is an important fundraiser for us, it is most importantly to raise awareness about the Family of League and what we actually do to help those involved with the game at the grassroots level,” he said.
“While we still support and stay connected to many who have played the game at the top level, it’s the players, coaches, team managers, referees and the thousands of parents who volunteer each weekend to keep the competitions in the suburbs and bush who we are really reaching out to as well.”
For further information about Family of League, visit: www.familyofleague.org.au
