Clubs compete in Blood Challenge

Football and netball clubs across the Surf Coast and Bellarine may not be able to compete on the field, but off-field they are able to face off in the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Victorian Football Netball Blood Challenge.

The challenge sees clubs across the state compete to see who can give the most blood donations from July through to the end of September.

Lifeblood spokesperson Erin Lagoudakis said blood donations are just as important now as ever before.

“There are currently 37 clubs registered and it’s not too late for new clubs to sign up and get in on the competition.

“The need for blood never takes a break and we’re always looking for new donors to help the one in three Australians who are likely to receive blood at some point in their lifetime.”

Modewarre Football Netball Club is among the local clubs to join the competition.

It is the club’s first time participating in the challenge, and football director Daniel Morter said the people involved with the club had jumped on board.

“The response has been good. There are a few scared ones, but most of them are pretty keen to come and donate.”

Mr Morter said the challenge had come at a good time for the club, as they were looking for a way to keep players and supporters engaged after the cancellation of the senior football and netball seasons.

“Right across the board, people seem pretty excited about joining up and being involved in some sort of competition against other clubs.”

Ocean Grove Football Netball Club, Geelong Amateur Football Netball Club, and Queenscliff Football Netball Club are also competing in the challenge.

To ensure your donation counts to a club’s tallies or to see the standings, head to don8blood.com/3fnKXLX.

People can book donations by phoning 13 14 95 or heading to lifeblood.com.au.