Sock It Up for youth mental health

A LOCAL mental health service provider has laid down the challenge to local clubs, players, members, umpires and corporates to jump on board its yearly initiative.

Geelong-based organisation Read The Play local sports stakeholders to show their support and join the “Sole Mates” Movement, by purchasing and competing in specially made socks that will raise funds for its mental health programs.

Read The Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz said the organisation is partnering with Geelong Cats, AFL Barwon and the Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) to hold its first Read The Play Round from August 4-6.

“Understanding that Mental Health is a Team Sport is the mentality we want to instil with this year’s initiative,” Ms Gerdtz said.

“We encourage everybody to take a step towards breaking down the stigma associated with mental health and purchase a pair of Sole Mates socks to wear for Read the Play in August.”

Read The Play has been an active supporter of sporting clubs in the Barwon region for the last 17 years.

This year’s initiative is the first time Read The Play will coordinate its annual fundraiser with local sports competitions.

All senior GDFNL Round 16 matches during Read The Play Round will involve players and officials wearing the Sole Mates socks, after the league office conducted a bulk order earlier this month.

The GDFNL will outfit all 12 clubs with the orange, purple and blue socks to place a spotlight on Youth Mental Health in August.

Portarlington Football Netball Club was first to purchase a club-wide order for the socks. More than 20 clubs have since signed up to the intiative across the Geelong and Bellarine region.

“Profits from every pair of socks purchased for the fundraiser will assist the charity in delivering and expanding innovative programs that empower young people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Gerdtz added.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians 14-24 years old and many people in the region have been impacted by mental health to some degree.

“Kicking off the conversation amongst the sporting community could assist in improving or potentially saving a life.”

For every pair of socks that the ordered, the club will receive an entry in the draw to win incredible prizes including:

1st prize: Sole Mates celebration with an RTP Ambassador at your club (catering, training drills and Q&A)

2nd prize: Team Road trip to see the Cats v St Kilda game at Marvel Stadium (rd 23)

3rd prize: $1,000 Steigen voucher to go toward 2024 club preseason apparel

Football and netball umpires can also join the fun by purchasing and wearing Sole Mates blue socks.

To make an order, head to rtpsolemates.com.au