The colours may not coordinate to match the black, while and blue of the Sharks, however that will matter little this weekend when the Cronulla team joins nine other clubs in supporting the Men of League Foundation (MOL).
In recent weeks grassroots rugby league clubs around Australia have been getting their “Crazy Socks” on to raise awareness for the MOL’s Wellbeing campaign, a program offering direct physical, emotional and financial support for those in grassroots rugby league communities who have fallen on hard times.
In raising awareness of the MOL and the outstanding work they do, the NRL clubs, Sharks and Warriors included when they meet in a crucial round 21 match on Saturday, are set to join in and wear the crazy socks in their matches this weekend.
The campaign has been already been a huge success with the socks selling out after receiving extensive support from the NRL, NSWRL and QRL, who have helped promote the campaign over the past few months.
Starting in 2019, this annual campaign raises funds from the sale of specially designed footy socks to help fund the community work undertaken through the Men of League’s Wellbeing Program.
Over the past 3 years, the Men of League Foundation has spent $2.3m on assisting and supporting where necessary the volunteer coaches, managers, gear stewards, groundsmen, canteen ladies, referees and club administrators who dedicate so much to their footy clubs.
The support is broad and can range from immediate assistance grants for basics such as food and fuel vouchers, medical and surgical costs, to home renovations for access and mobility purposes.
The MOL may be called upon to provide something as simple as a hospital visit or a phone/zoom call to someone struggling in an isolated region, with their wellbeing support delivered by an extensive network of volunteers and a small but dedicated team of staff in Sydney and Brisbane.
The MOL message is ‘we are here to help’. If you know someone within your local grassroots rugby league community who needs physical, financial or emotional support, please get in touch at menofleague.com or email [email protected].
And watch out for the ‘crazy socks’ at the NRL’s round 21 matches this weekend.
About Men of League
Who is the Men of League Foundation?
The Men of League Foundation is a registered charity established in 2002. The Foundation provides a broad range of support to eligible individuals within the grassroots rugby league community who are experiencing physical, financial or emotional hardship. The Foundation has a small team of 7 staff based in the NSWRL Building in Sydney, and the QRL Building in Brisbane. The Foundation has 40 volunteer committees operating in regions across NSW, QLD and Victoria.
What is the “Crazy Socks” Campaign?
The Men of League’s national “Crazy Socks” Campaign is an annual fundraising and awareness initiative aimed at local and regional rugby league clubs. Each year a specially designed pair of socks is produced and promoted for purchase by clubs for players of all ages (from under 6’s to Opens) to wear in their local competition in late July/early August.
What is the purpose of the campaign?
The Crazy Socks campaign was created to raise awareness for the vital work Men of League does in the community through its Wellbeing Program. Proceeds from the sale of the socks help support this program.
Are Crazy Socks still available for purchase?
Unfortunately, no. We are proud to advise that due to the continued support of the NSWRL, the QRL and footy clubs across Australia, stocks have SOLD OUT. Anyone wishing to order socks for 2022 can register their interest by going to menofleague.com
How are NRL clubs involved this year?
With the support of the National Rugby League, we engaged clubs to get involved by generously purchasing socks for their squads to wear either for training, Captains Runs, or on field in Round 21. The Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm, Manly Sea Eagles, Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, Nth QLD Cowboys, Canterbury Bulldogs, NZ Warriors, Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans and St George Dragons have indicated they will wear our Crazy Socks on field in Round 21, *(please note this is subject to change).
What message does Men of League wish to relay to the public through this campaign?
That we are here to help. If you know someone who has contributed at the grassroots level of the game and needs help in some way, we have a broad range of support we may be able to provide. Please go to menofleague.com or email us at [email protected] (*financial support is subject to eligibility criteria)
