The Waroona and Pinjarra football clubs will once again come together in a show of support for good mental health when they clash at Parnell Street Oval this weekend.
Using their southern derby clash to raise funds and awareness for mental health organisations has become a regular fixture for the neighbouring rivals.
I think having both Waroona and Pinjarra making this an annual priority reflects the awareness for mental health issues in today's society.
- PYMS program manager Paul Reilly
This will be the third year the two clubs have met in support of the cause, most recently helping drive the WA Country Football League's Think Mental Health initiative back in June.
This time around they'll use the game to back the good work of GP Down South's Peel Youth Medical Service (PYMS), which extends it's mobile counselling to both Waroona and Pinjarra two days a week.
PYMS will be in attendance on the day, providing information about their network and counselling services.
PYMS program manager Paul Reilly and Aboriginal youth worker Luke Beeson also gave a brief rundown of how the service can help those struggling with mental illness to Waroona players prior to a training session on Tuesday night.
Reilly praised both clubs for their efforts, while stressing the importance of using community hubs like sporting bodies to inform people who may be suffering.
"The support is invaluable," he said.
"We rely a lot on these sorts of initiatives and just to see two clubs in our region's southern community taking up this cause and helping us out is huge.
"I think having both Waroona and Pinjarra making this an annual priority reflects the awareness for mental health issues in today's society.
"These sporting clubs are extremely prominent in their respective communities so it's a great way for us to spread our message and break down some barriers for people who might not have known what support is on offer.
"We really can't thank them enough."
The game itself will be a clash between two sides eager to string together back-to-back wins, with each having recorded sizable victories in round 14.
Pinjarra will head in as heavy favourites after returning to equal top spot with a huge win over Centrals last weekend, but Waroona coach Matt Templeton was bullish on his side's chances following a hearty win over South Mandurah.
"We've pushed some really good teams this year without quite getting over the line," he said.
"When we've got our full senior team out there we're capable of being really competitive, so hopefully we can give Pinjarra a fair shake this weekend."
Waroona will host the Mental Health Game for the first time this weekend, with the clash kicking off at Parnell Street Oval on Sunday, 2.30pm.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
