On April 14 the Collingwood Knights will commence their 2021 campaign in their round one clash against the Wynbay Bulldogs in the Victorian Reclink Australian Football League.
Operating out of Collingwood’s Community Centre at Victoria Park, the program creates opportunity for individuals faced with homelessness, mental health issues, unemployment, and drug and alcohol abuse and offers participants social connection, improved health and wellbeing, and access to support services.
Established in 2008, the Collingwood Knights have provided over 200 participants with an opportunity to improve their social, physical and mental health.
The club’s motto ‘more than just footy’ encapsulates the value and holistic nature of the program.
Alike all Victorian community sport programs, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the Collingwood Knights from operating and offering their support services last year.
This year the program facilitates 40 participants under the guidance of coach and former Collingwood AFL player Daniel Wells.
Last Wednesday, Collingwood AFLW captain Brianna Davey along with AFLW senior coach Steve Symonds assisted with the program’s weekly training session.
Davey was a natural mentor, running the teams’ training drills and connecting with the participants.
“It was great to have the opportunity to assist with the Collingwood Knights training and gain a better understanding of the work the program offers,” Davey said.
“Footy is such a vehicle for connection within communities and it’s clear how much this group collectively love their football."
“I’ve tried my hand at a bit of coaching today, offering the group some tips for their upcoming season. I look forward to checking in and seeing how they progress with their upcoming campaign.”
The program is made possible by voluntary contributions and partnerships with Victoria Police, Headspace Collingwood, and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), all who provide participants with support and access to services.
To learn more about the Reclink Collingwood Knights, visit www.collingwoodknightsfc.com.au
Davey was a natural, running the teams’ training drills under the watchful eye of her AFLW Coach Steve Symonds
The Collingwood Knights’ season will kick off in a few weeks’ time joining other clubs from all over Melbourne with the vision of creating a platform for a positive future by providing a means for social connection, improved health and wellbeing and access to support services.
The Reclink Collingwood Knights program is made possible by the voluntary contributions of many and partnerships with Victoria Police, Headspace Collingwood, and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) providing participants with support and access to services.
