Collection Day ties bow on 10 years of scholarships

Left to right: Sharon West (sister to Mark), Paul West (brother to Mark and Foundation co chairperson), Emily West (niece to Mark), Cath West (Mother to Mark), Bob West (Father to Mark), Tom Harriot (Foundation co chairperson) and Nic Sutherland (Paul’s partner). Photo: MATT WORLAND

MORE than 70 junior footballers from around the region will get the chance to play Australian Rules Football in 2023 despite financial stresses, after attending a local football charity’s collection day.

The Mark West Foundation’s annual collection day at GMHBA Stadium invited players from over 20 AFL Barwon clubs to collect their memberships, boots, shorts, or socks and any other necessities needed to play football this year.

“There were 76 scholarships recipients this year, which is around what we get each year,” Foundation co-chair and founder Tom Harriott said.

“We think every club, some more than others, need assistance, but it has been great to see more clubs come to the table by offering free memberships and cheap packages to get more kids playing.”

Mr Harriott and the West family look forward to the Foundation’s collection day each year.

“It’s probably one of the only days throughout the year that we get to meet the kids face-to-face.

“We’ve seen their scholarship applications, their details, and their challenges, which for some are significant, so to see them being able to play football and put a face to a name, it means a lot to us.

“Some of these kids have never had a new pair of footy boots in their life.”

The Mark West Foundation offers a maximum of 100 scholarships each year, made possible from grants, corporate and private donations, as well as fundraisers, such as the charity’s annual golf day.

In total, the foundation has between $20,000 to $25,000 readily available for scholarships each year.

“I probably can’t speak for Mark’s family, who are in attendance for this event each year, but it’s an emotional day for them,” Mr Harriott concluded.

“Bob, Mark’s father, is out the front and welcomes everybody in-person, while his wife Kath works incredibly hard to fit out the kids with their new boots.

“It has become a bit of an event, which we love, and it shows whilst there is a bit of work to put the Foundation together, the rewards are certainly there.”

Next year’s Mark West Foundation scholarship applications are expected to open in January 2024.