An uplifting turn of events has transpired for the Kelmscott Bulldogs All Abilities football players after the team’s original jumpers were returned after they were allegedly stolen from a club volunteer’s car in Armadale approximately two weeks ago.
With the floods of support from the community, the thousands of dollars of uniforms were returned on Thursday evening June 19.
Team coach Rob Turner said being away from their rightful owners for a week, the jumpers returned “quite rough” and would need a “long soak” to hopefully salvage.
“Thank you so very much to everyone who shared our posts or made efforts to their return,” he said.
“Thank you to every person, business and community member who has reached out in a gracious show of support.
“We are going through what’s been recovered and hopefully much can be salvaged after a long soak.
“We will also be in touch to everyone who have reached out and gave heartfelt donations towards a set of replacements. You have touched our hearts.”
In what was described by Mr Turner in last week’s article as “hard” and “terrible” to watch the All Abilities players – a team dedicated for people who are impacted by physical and emotional disabilities in their daily life – become “frustrated” without their normal uniforms, the players were presented with special occasion jumpers.
The uniforms were planned to be worn in the last home ground match of the fixture but were instead given to the team early to play in for last Saturday’s game.
The special occasion uniforms displayed club history and raised awareness for mental health and were proudly worn by the players in their game against High Wycombe.
“The Kelmscott Bulldogs Integrated team unveiled a Special Club Jumper designed and prepared to celebrate Club History and acknowledge Mental Health Awareness, supporting those affected by mental illness in the club and community,” Mr Turner said.
“Originally scheduled to be presented and worn for a special occasion on the last fixtured home game, the jumpers were made available earlier due to the recent theft of the All Abilities team jumpers and thanks to the efforts of supplier Belgravia Apparel and Perth Football League.
“The design adopted a jumper design of old club history from the late 90’s created by
sadly departed life member, former general manager and president Trevor Riley.
“The Green ribbon on the jumper represents the international symbol for mental health.”
In the leadup to International Mental Health Week and the state’s Mental Health
Awareness Week in October, the Integrated All Abilities League hosted the game played for mental health awareness.
Mr Turner said the specially designed jerseys were important to encourage the club and community members to speak up about their struggles.
“In recent years the club, its teams, and its members have suffered great hardship, stresses and loss as a result of the devastating effects of mental health,” he said.
“Community inclusion and football is for everyone – it’s bigger than football.”
