NSFA and its clubs will once again be conducting the association’s FightMND Round, commencing Monday the 20th of June through till Sunday the 26th, aiming to increase awareness about Motor Neurone Disease (MND), raise funds for FightMND, and show our support for former NSFA Competitions Manager Damian Miles (pictured), who was diagnosed with MND early last year.
Last year was a great success, thanks to all the support we surpassed the goal of $7,000 raising $9,303 despite COVID cancellations affecting our on-field activations.
Damian is a life member of both NSFA and the Ku-ring-gai & District Football Referees Association and worked for NSFA as Competitions Manager for 14 years.
Damian has also been heavily involved with NSFA representative club Northern Tigers, serving as the Men’s First Grade team manager for seven seasons.
“Our FightMND round not only aims to raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease but also work towards raising vital funds to help researchers and the charity find a cure,” said NSFA CEO, Ed Ferguson.
“Damian has been a long-serving NSFA staff member, however even before this time he was a valued member of our football community.
“As we all do, Damian first began playing the game before graduating to refereeing, managing Northern Tigers and earning life membership with both NSFA and KDFRA.
“He has changed the way football is played in the Northern Suburbs, building a foundation that has seen our association grow to 18,000+ players, 1,200 coaches and 400+ referees!
“Damian will always be the 12th man of NSFA and we cannot thank him enough for his commitment, passion and support for football.”
There are several events and initiatives running across NSFA this week, full details below.
FUNDRAISING
We will raise money for FightMND through fundraising efforts, challenges, donations, and sales of merchandise.
NSFA will collect the money from all NSFA Clubs in participation and submit a donation on behalf of the football community each season.
You can make an online donation to our fundraiser here.
ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE
Over the week you will see various members of the NSFA community doing the Ice Bucket Challenge on social media.
We encourage anyone involved in the Ice Bucket Challenge this week to make a donation to our online FightMND fundraiser through the link above and challenge your mates!
ONLINE RAFFLE
The Northern Suburbs FA are once again supporting FIGHT MND for the 2022 football season, dedicating Round 12 to the charity.
Amongst other fundraising initiatives the online raffle allows NSFA members to support a great cause and be in with a chance to score some great prizes!
Click here to purchase your raffle tickets!
1st Prize – Sydney FC box during the 2022/23 season at the recently renovated Sydney Football Stadium (SFS). Valued at $700
2nd Prize – Petbarn Dog Hamper + $100 gift voucher. Valued at $300+
3rd Prize – Harvey Norman gift card valued at $250
4th Prize – St Ives Physio welfare pack
5th Prize – Club Turramurra Barefoot bowls pack. 6 person, valued at $120
JUGGLING CHALLENGE
The FightMND Juggling Challenge will take place at selected venues, with entrants required to make a $2 donation, complete the challenge and enter via a QR code displayed at the ground.
Locations: NTRA (Saturday and Sunday), Warrimoo Oval (Sunday), Montview Oval (Sunday).
Prizes include:
- 1st Prize – Signed Sydney FC Men’s shirt – 2020/21 season
- 2nd Prize – $100 Farinas Pizzeria gift voucher
WHY ROUND 12?
In football, the crowd and support staff of a team is often referred to as the ‘12th man’, providing additional support to those on the field to win the match and perform their best. Damian has been the 12th man within NSFA, contributing significantly to NSFA, KDSA, KDFRA and Northern Tigers during his time involved.
Damian will forever be the 12th man of local football within NSFA which we will recognise and celebrate each season.
ABOUT MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE AND FIGHT MND
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, swallow and breathe fail to work normally and eventually die. With no nerves to activate them the muscles gradually weaken and waste leading to paralysis. There is currently no truly effective treatment and no known cure.
Founded in 2014, FightMND was established with the purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. They are Australia’s leading independent MND Foundation funding large-scale collaborative research, drug development, clinical trials, and vital assistive equipment for Australians living with MND.