Author: Family of League

A FOOTY FAMILY BATTLING FOR THEIR SON.

A 50-year-old lady, together with her husband and teenage son are hitting crisis point. While both parents have had very active lives with their footy club, their son, who has spent years running on to the paddock since commencing with the Under 7s, is now suffering from Osteosarcoma… a form of cancer.

Initially dismissed as just a niggling knee issue, Mum finally talked her son into getting a professional opinion. After an MRI, the cause of his complaint was identified as cancer behind the knee.

To make matters worse, initial treatment did little to mitigate the growth. The medical team then advised both parents the cancerous growth was moving towards their son’s thigh. After an incredible amount of stress, the difficult decision was made to amputate their son’s leg above his knee… thus saving his life.

The young man then endured chemotherapy while learning to adjust to his new life in a wheelchair, while preparing to receive his prosthetic leg.

However, while there was tremendous hope he would adjust to his new lifestyle and the family planned for the best way forward, his health now changed for the worse. During a follow-up examination, it was discovered the cancer had now spread to his lungs.

This devastating find has led to him receiving a terminal diagnosis.

After suffering a collapsed lung, the son and family relocated to their state’s major city and hospital facilities. As one would expect, this family disaster has affected their work/financial situation… which is another worry as the parents prepare for their son’s final days.

Family of League are assisting with their financial pressures while also providing other support where we can.

Battling issues in and outside the home

A single mother of two, who has been under financial pressure for quite some time, is now facing the pressures of keeping her home. While having spent over 12 years supporting her sons throughout their community footy, she also assisted with the team management, canteen, can bar and barbie fundraising duties. So, rugby league and her family have been no strangers.

Unfortunately, as of late, the mother has also been a victim of domestic violence. Now by herself, and looking after one of her sons, she is under pressure to provide food on the table as well as dealing with rental and bond arrears. So much so, she is in danger of losing her and her son’s accommodation. Plus, there are transport costs and outstanding utility bills.

It has been determined that, as this mother has been a great supporter of our game, the Family of League are here to support her at this critical time.

Taking knocks on and off the field

A man in his mid-40s, who previously played over 20 years in JRLF/Community footy teams, as well as playing for a major NRL team, is now fighting battles off the field. Due to receiving head knocks and other health issues, he was advised to stay off the paddock and allow his body to adjust to a less combative lifestyle.

Just over a year ago, he suffered a stroke. Several months later, after returning to partial work, he incurred another medical relapse… resulting in him losing partial sight in the upper right quadrant of both eyes. Doctors are advising he may not be healthy enough to ever return to work, leaving him with a mountain of bills to pay.

Having invested much of his life in rugby league, the Family of League are here to offer him a financial hand and other assistance in appreciation of his footy commitment.

These wonderful football people, and many other wellbeing recipients, have been assisted due to the magnificent support from our members, donators, corporate sponsors and fundraising event supporters.

WRITTEN BY GREGG KABLE. PUBLICITY OFFICER, CENTRAL COAST COMMITTEE.

After several days of torrential rain on the Central Coast it was just like a modern miracle when the sun burst through the clouds and provided us with the best, sunniest day we could ask for. Inspired by this turn of events, the members and their guests assembled at Ettalong Bowling Club at 8am sharp to support our Annual 2024 Bowls Day. With tremendous promotion both in the press and local radio, attendee numbers were overwhelming… accounting for one of the largest attendances to date.

We are lucky to have Mr ‘Bowls’, Johnny Roberts, with us, together with over 150 men and women registered and organised into teams filling three rinks to capacity. The day began with what is known as the ‘Spider, where every player bowls a single bowl to see who can get closest to the jack. Always a great way to get everyone into the mood.

As the day took off, there were plenty of colour and tall tales shared – some true, some not – so true was the order of the day, from old footballers with many icy cold schooners reaching the lips early to quench a bunch of very thirsty Bowlers.

After the bowls side of things was complete, the indoor component of the day was introduced by Committee Member Leigh Peacock who gave all the patrons a rundown of the day’s proceedings. Followed by a terrific piece from the Family of League Wellbeing Officer, Chloe Minehan, explaining her role in the foundation and outlining what we do for the men, women and children of the rugby league fraternity. Lunch was then served by the hard working voluntary committee of Ettalong Bowling Club, who’s support we greatly appreciate… not to mention their great BBQ feed with a bargain basement fee of $25.

Raffles were well supported as usual, with great prizes supplied by all our sponsors of the day. Our President, Neville Glover, and Treasurer, Lance Henry, were instrumental in getting some quality sporting memorabilia for our auctions… hosted by (yours truly) Gregg Kable. Again, the bids were hot and fast right throughout the afternoon, with all merchandise reaching their individual reserve figures. So, thank you to all!

Family of League’s Event Manager, Doug Keane, also contributed with a silent auction, including some outstanding items up for bids. This proved a masterstroke, as the bids were hotly contested with some excellent figures providing a handsome return.

Attempting to entertain the crowd, I delivered some old gags… scoring a few belly laughs which kept the crowd entertained.

We were also fortunate to have in our midst former State of Origin and rugby League test player, Jim Leis, who shared experiences from his great career; and had all in the room hanging off every word. Jim was informative with plenty of stories about his illustrious career at Wests, Canterbury & Cronulla, and we thank Jim so much for his time.

In conclusion, we raised over $7,000 on the day. An acknowledgement to the hard working Family of League committee members, providing one of our best results to date. Finally, a special thank you to the board staff and management of Ettalong Bowling Club, for their hospitality every year.

LAS VEGAS, NV – National Manager for Fundraising, Partnerships & Events, Doug Keen, recently embarked on a trip of a lifetime with his family, personally funding their visit to the NRL’s Double Header season opener in Las Vegas. This adventure brought back many memories for Doug, specifically his deep involvement with American Rugby League since the 1990s, as a trainer and referee, which solidified his passion for the sport.

Prior to the upcoming game day, Doug had the opportunity to reunite with friends he hadn’t seen in decades at the USA Rugby League Players reunion, also held in Vegas. The event was a nostalgic gathering, evoking cherished memories from Doug’s extensive involvement in the sport.

Many states of excitement

Additionally, Doug and his family took advantage of their time in this area, exploring nearby popular tourist destinations such as Hollywood, Universal Studios, Disneyland – and even venturing to Palm Springs for a delightful-desert sojourn.

They also enjoyed visiting the famous Raiderettes’ museum, adorned with all the American football culture this gun entertainment team is well known for around the world.

Doug and his family also had the privilege of staying at the Las Vegas Hilton. Alongside the footy players, media circus, and NRL club administration, further immersing himself in the rugby league buzz that permeated the city. Similar to a game of ‘Frogger’, they jumped from one bunch of footy friends to another… all abuzz with footy fever, while building incredible memories for years to come.

However, when it came to game-time, he was certainly impressed by the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium. Doug described it as “first class” and marvelled at its sheer size, styling and presence… having only been built just three years ago. Plus, the fans themselves were super hyped for an outstanding experience, with thousands adorning themselves in team jerseys and club colours, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Action on an off the field

Doug is not one for kicking back and just watching. Not only was he super enthusiast about attending the games, in between bumping into old buddies like the NRL’s Renee Gartner, he also participated as a sideline participant. Appointed as the person responsible for overseeing a constant supply of footballs for each match, he made sure there were plenty of backup footies when the ball was kicked out into the crowd. Unlike Australia, in the US, when the ball is kicked out, any fortunate fan that catches the ball… keeps the ball. Fortunately, when that happened, Doug was on the job!

Reflecting on the event, Doug expressed his belief that this footy extravaganza lived up to all the hype, even exuding a grand final atmosphere. He predicts that next year’s crowd will easily expand to an impressive 45,000 to 50,000 attendees.

However, amidst the excitement, Doug also kept a constant vigilance for any ‘unfair play’, even off the paddock. This paid off when he thwarted three pickpockets attempting to steal his wallet from a back pocket. His assertive response, including calling loudly for police and security, sent the criminals fleeing.

Wrapping up this amazing experience

In Doug’s eyes, the event was truly memorable and executed with utmost professionalism. His involvement in the game events and familiarity with key figures in the footy world even led to several TV interviews broadcast to Australia.

Doug’s enthusiasm for the experience is evident as he wholeheartedly recommends attending next year’s event. He advises visitors to allocate more than just a weekend (he and his family spent a week), as there is an abundance of activities to enjoy in Vegas and along the West Coast of the United States… and all of it, according to Doug and his family, was an outstanding experience!

Doug has also brought some of that USA razzle dazzle back with him, as he prepares his latest Family of League fundraising event at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. Kicking off this Friday 15 March at Noon, this ‘Rugby League-Australia to the USA’ lunch event features Cliff Lyons, David Boyle, Denis Fitzgerald, Paul Dunn, Gladiator Mark McGaw with MC Renee Gartner and comedian Rob Shehadie + more! For details click here.

Check out just how positive the women at Family of League are about International Women’s Day, and how they observe the encouraging progress all around the footy world.

The Family of League Foundation sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Darryl Van de Velde. Darryl was part of our family, serving as Director from 2012-2019, being awarded Life Membership in 2017 and was instrumental in the establishment of our Foundation (then Men of League) in Queensland including the formation of its Events Committee, as State President and volunteering in a range of leadership roles.  He was a long-serving and hugely influential Director of the QRL and held numerous roles throughout rugby league at every level including as inaugural CEO of South Queensland Crushers.

A champion of grass roots footy, Darryl was a former professional rugby league footballer, coach and administrator.  He played club football in Queensland for Souths and represented his state in 1977. After playing, he coached the Brisbane Rugby League premiership’s Redcliffe side in 1986 and 1987, taking his club to consecutive grand finals. Darryl also coached in the UK for Castleford, Warrington, Huddersfield and London Broncos.

Chair of Family of League, Helen Wood Grant, said, “We are deeply saddened at the passing of this remarkable man.  His contribution to so many aspects of rugby league is incalculable and his energy and kindness along the way left an indelible mark on anyone lucky enough to know him.  Our Foundation was incredibly fortunate to have Darryl’s time and talents devoted to it for many years and his recognition as Life Member attests to his outstanding contribution.

It was my privilege to serve on the Board alongside Darryl and to know him personally. To his much-loved wife Jacque and his daughters, and to his army of friends, on behalf of Family of League Board, staff and volunteers I send my profound sympathy and share your sorrow at the scale of this loss.”

A dramatic shift in lifestyle

A 65-year-old gentleman who played footy for three different clubs is now confronting a new battle in his life. Last year, due to poor circulation, he had his left leg amputated below the knee. Not only has this been a dramatic shock to an otherwise healthy person, this loss of limb resulted in the patient losing a large part of his independent lifestyle.

While there is hope he will eventually recuperate to a level which allows him to drive a car, in the current circumstances he requires the use of a motorised scooter to get to the shops, access community facilities as well as visit neighbours and local friends.

So, Family of League have equipped this ex-player with the appropriate scooter equipped with a canopy, plus two years of servicing. As someone who spent many years on the field bring pleasure to footy fans, it is now our turn to show our appreciation.

Facing many battles, this man is desperate for a win

Another ex-footballer (pictured above) is also facing extremely large challenges… and plenty of them. This senior citizen also played for several clubs including junior and senior footy. Once he put the boots away, he continued to contribute to our game via committee involvement.

However, his focus is now dealing with an array of health threats. These include prostate cancer, lung cancer and bone cancer. Plus, he is struggling with heart disease. Compounding all this, several years ago he was injured in a motorcycle accident… resulting in long term issues associated with back and limb fractures.

These health pressures have also compounded his mobility and he desperately requires a motorised scooter to access local facilities.

Again, we have been able to step in and provide assistance to this man’s desperate needs, setting him up with the appropriate scooter as well as a back-up battery. And, as he’s a Bulldogs’ supporter, we provided him with a blue one!

Facing a sudden health catastrophe after decades of footy dedication

A middle-aged man who, together with his immediate family, has spent over 35 years actively involved with rugby league. Either playing (his daughter also ran on to the paddock), coaching, mentoring… even assisting in canteen, front gate, can bar duties as well as selling raffle tickets.

Working as head coach, his health deteriorated to such an extent that he was eventually diagnosed with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment available to treat or even manage this condition. Hence, he will be continued visual impairment for the rest of his life.

He has lost his ability to work and will need considerable support just to undertake routine daily tasks.

This shocking illness has drained the family’s finances, not only with pressure to maintain mortgage and utility payments… but even to put food on the table. Plus, the medical bills are also mounting.

As per the previous wellbeing recipients, Family of League are supporting this gentleman and his family – as it is an honour to show our appreciation to those that have given to our game.

In what has been an extensively busy year with our wellbeing activities, we asked Family of League National Wellbeing Manager, Roxanne Moates, to share her experiences with some of the grants she oversaw while wrapping up 2023.

Roxanne said, “Gradually losing any of our essential six senses as we age can be challenging, however this is not entirely unexpected. Imagine the turmoil your life would be thrown into if in your early 40s you begin to lose your vision? Then, by your mid-40s, your vision has deteriorated to a point where you are no longer able to read the newspaper or see the birds chirping in the trees, let alone make a cup of tea, drive a car, or continue in your chosen field of work? This is the situation that faced a wonderfully community-minded family man on Qld’s Sunshine Coast in early 2023.

Having played Rugby League for over 15 years before moving into coaching and volunteering roles, being physically active was always a huge part of his daily life. Post diagnosis has seen his focus shift to learning to navigate his way around his home again; which he reports he’s now doing so with confidence. Now he is also spending time discovering how to explore the world at large, both safely and independently with the assistance of his newly acquired cane.

It is not unusual to see him out and about in his local community, enjoying the footpath under his feet and the breeze on his face as he goes about his daily fitness routine.

Thanks to the Family of League Foundation supporting him and his family, via our financial grant, he has had one less thing to worry about while he is adjusting to his new normal.”

Roxanne continued with some wonderful words she received from one of her wellbeing clients: “If not for the family of League, we don’t know where we would be? The care and support shown by the people we have worked with is amazing. The Family of League allows us to see light at the end of the tunnel. From the financial assistance to the friendly manner in which we are treated… it is amazing.”

Rox went on to say, “These words echo the sentiments for so many of those that the Foundation assist, but for this family of three, living in a caravan park on the north side of Brisbane, it expresses the desperation and fear they felt when their main breadwinner was unable to work while recovering from leg surgery to remove a cancerous tumour. With recovery taking longer then expected and funds becoming scarce, reaching out to the Foundation was their final hope.

The freedom and promise that financial support provided to this family was demonstrated, not just in the words that they shared, but also in the hope that was restored to them when the promise of a brighter future became a reality.”

Thanks, Roxanne, for this quick glimpse into your activities. Keep up the great work in 2024!

By Leigh Peacock (Committee Wellbeing Coordinator)

Members of the Central Coast Committee were pleased to pay a visit recently to the residents and staff at Our Lady of Loreto Gardens Aged Care facility at Hamilyn Terrace, a suburb of the Central Coast region north of Sydney.

The Committee’s Neville Glover, Leigh Peacock, and Lance Henry were invited to visit by current resident Ron Pomering – a former player with the Roosters and English club, Bramley.

Previously, Ron had been a passionate and highly involved Sydney Metro Committee member with the (formally known) Men of League in Sydney. However, with his own health challenges, he now receives ongoing assistance from the Family of League and Chelsea Old Mates. Jim Williams and his mum, Dot, who is also a resident, were in attendance. Dot expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the ongoing support of Jim by the Foundation.

So, it was our pleasure to meet Ron, Jim, and Dot prior to an introductory presentation about the vision and values of the Family of League Foundation… the charitable heart of rugby league. We explained to the residents the Foundation’s mission is to ensure those most in need within the rugby league community can access financial, social and emotional support.

The residents were a captive audience as many had previously played the game or were volunteers. They were delighted by our visit, asking many questions and were pleasantly surprised by the scope and magnitude of the Foundation’s charitable works.

It was an inspiring visit for all concerned.

Pictured are Lance, Leigh, Ron and Neville.

The smallest battler takes on the biggest of challenges

A large family of seven has recently relocated from North Queensland to the southern part of the state, with the father having run on to the paddocks for the past 15 years for both regions. Sadly, one their young sons, a JRLFC player who hasn’t even reached the age of 10, has now been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer.

He has had a stent inserted into his brain in order to drain excess fluid while also being fitted with a special helmet and body suit to protect him during his many weeks of radiation. This is all to prepare his suitability for operations to remove an array of tumours.

To compound this oppressive situation, the father is also impacted by health issues and is unable to work.

Fortunately, someone in his local footy club contacted the Family of League, and we have been able to alleviate some of the financial pressures this family are currently facing.

On field injury tackles a promising career

A young footy player in his early 20s has also relocated to the big smoke of Sydney from his hometown in Northern NSW. For the past few years he has had a good run with the Harold Matthews Cup as well as the SC Ball teams. Living in the southern suburbs, life seemed quite promising as he split his love of rugby league with his worktime activities. However, he incurred an on-field injury where his shoulder was dislocated, requiring surgery.

While certain medical bills were taken care of by insurance, he has not been able to return to work until he is medically cleared. Living away from home, his bills have been escalating. Plus, he is also under emotional pressure as his mother is suffering from bowl cancer. He was introduced to the Family of League by another player we have assisted, and our wellbeing officers have been able to ‘bridge the financial gap’ and provide a stabilising influence on his precarious situation.

Losing everything, including the roof over their heads

A mother of two has been facing a battle to find accommodation for her family. Having split from her ex-husband several years ago, someone who had initially played during the 80s for junior and senior grades in several NSW clubs, life has been tough as a single mum. Having once been a ball girl for a regional NSW footy club, her parents were also deeply involved with our sport as captain, coach and president of several clubs.

Her ex-husband had been providing enormous assistance to their children through child support and paid for most of the children’s expenses including school fees, excursions, uniforms and sporting registrations, etc. However, he has now passed away leaving her children without a father and very distraught.

Dealing with financial, accommodation and emotional issues has been quite overwhelming for this mum. Dealing with family transport is also a major concern as she suffers from epilepsy and can’t drive, which also impacts her ability to earn an income. Again, like so many people we have assisted this month – and year – Family of League wellbeing officers are assisting this family to a better quality of life.