Mandurah Netball Association to don their silly socks in support of mental health

All players, coaches, officials and spectators will pull up a pair of their craziest socks as part of the fundraising drive, which will showcase the work the mental health organisation carries out for youth in the Peel region.

Gold coin donations will be taken with proceeds going towards PYMS, while the organisation will also have a booth set up on the day as they spread the word of their counselling services.

Mandurah Netball Association area development officer Alex Shorter said it was crucial for local sporting leagues to support the likes of PYMS, particularly those with a large base of junior players.

“It’s extremely important for us, as a competition with a lot of young players, to be able to point kids who might be struggling with their mental health in the right direction,” she said.

“Sometimes players might feel a little more comfortable talking to a coach or a teammate rather than their parents, and we need to know how to give them some direction and tell them where they can get help so teaming up with PYMS is fantastic for us.

“We see the work they do in the community and we wanted to support that, so we thought ‘why not hold a fundraiser and pitch in?’”

PYMS practice manager Catherine Samuels said the service would use the day to spread their message to children and parents.

“It’s important for us that we connect with the parents, so they know there are options out there if their child is battling some mental health issues,” she said.

“We depend on the support of community groups like the [Mandurah Netball Association], so for them to be having this day raising funds for us means a lot – we can’t thank them enough.”

Games kick off at 8am going through to 4.30pm at the MNA’s Thomson Street base.

For more information call the MNA on 9581 5054, or to find out more about the Peel Youth Medical Service call them on 9583 5435.