In the swing for access to sport

Legacy alive: Steve and Nola Poulter, Mount Xavier Golf Club president Greg Giles and Lachie’s Legacy scholarship recipient Teghan Henderson are ready for the charity’s golf day. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

GOLFERS of all levels are invited to take part in the annual Lachie’s Legacy golf day at Mount Xavier Golf Club this month with the aim of supporting the local sports access charity in Lachie Poulter’s name.

On Sunday, 11 February, teams of four will take to the course to compete in the Ambrose charity comp to raise funds for the organisation, and to remember Lachie.

Lachie’s Legacy is led by his parents Nola and Steve Poulter, aiming to get disadvantaged young people involved in club sport, while sending good quality second-hand uniforms and boots to players in need in the outback.

“We support the netballers and footballers locally that need a hand up to get them on the field,” Mrs Poulter said.

Eighteen teams will tee off at 7.30am, and another 18 at 12.30pm, with special guests including a golf pro and Hawthorn Football Club legend Michael Tuck on course to play.

At 12pm, Lachie’s Legacy’s inaugural scholarship recipient and Dunnstown netballer, Teghan Henderson, is set to give a presentation on her 2023 trip to Alice Springs, where she delivered footy gear to children and took part in clinics.

“The kids were so excited to receive footy shorts, and we gave footy boots to a women’s football team,” she said.

Lachie Poulter was passionate about playing and watching footy. Photo: SUPPLY

A 25-year-old Aussie rules athlete and Sydney Swans fan, Lachie collapsed and suddenly died in 2018, just after he’d been on the field playing for Dunnstown Football Club.

The charity is truly his legacy, keeping his passion for the game alive.

“When Lachie died, we couldn’t have survived without the club, they were incredible to us,” Mrs Poulter said.

“The whole Central Highlands were phenomenal, and that’s true community.”

The golf day has been spearheaded by Brendan Everard, who Mr and Mrs Poulter thanked for his ongoing support and initiative, alongside the Mount Xavier Golf Club, and many local businesses who have got behind the event as sponsors.

One hundred per cent of registration fees from the event will stay with the organisation, with most funds going towards the scholarship.

The day keeps the charity operational for the next 12 months. Visit lachieslegacy.com to register.

Fire Rescue Victoria sites across the state are collection points for donated footy boots, or golfers can bring along boots to donate on the day.