Update: In-person club events for FightMND have been postponed. The online fundraiser and raffle remain open until July 13th.
This weekend (June 25-27) NSFA and its clubs, including Northern Tigers, will be conducting the association’s inaugural FightMND Round, aiming to increase awareness about Motor Neurone Disease (MND), raise funds for FightMND, and show our support for NSFA Competitions Manager Damian Miles (pictured centre), who has recently been diagnosed with MND.
Damian has been an employee at NSFA for the past 14 years, and is life member of both NSFA and the Ku-ring-gai & District Football Referees Association, in recognition of his significant contributions as a volunteer to both organisations outside of his paid role with NSFA.
Damian has also been heavily involved with NSFA representative club Northern Tigers, serving as the Men’s First Grade team manager for seven seasons.
There are several events and initiatives running across NSFA this week, full details below.
Damian will be at Warrimoo Oval on Sunday afternoon as St Ives FC hosts a big day of activities, including a cake stall, BBQ and ice bucket challenge. The ice bucket will take place at 12:45pm before the Women’s All-Age match. Everyone is welcome to come along, say g’day to Damian and be involved in the afternoon.
Fundraising
NSFA will be raising money for Fight MND 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 the fundraiser here.
Online Raffle
NSFA is excited to confirm some fantastic prizes for our FightMND Fundraiser Raffle:
- 1st prize: Sydney FC Matchday box (valued at $700)
- 2nd prize: $400 gift voucher from NSFA sponsor Harvey Norman
- 3rd prize: $200 voucher from NSFA sponsor Petbarn
- 4th prize: 6-person barefoot bowls at Club Turramurra (valued at $120)
- 5th prize: St Ives Physio welfare pack (valued at $120)
Click here to purchase your raffle tickets!
Beanie Sales
FightMND beanies will be on sale at the following locations this weekend: NTRA, Warrimoo Oval, Berowra Oval, Regimental Oval, Blackman Park, Bales Park.
Beanies will be on sale for $20 each, with all proceeds to be donated to FightMND.
Juggling Challenge
The Fight MND Juggling Challenge will take place at the following locations on Saturday morning, with entrants required to make a $2 donation, complete the challenge and enter via a QR code displayed at the ground.
Locations: NTRA, Warrimoo Oval (Saturday and Sunday), Berowra Oval, Regimental Oval, Blackman Park, Bales Park.
Prizes include:
- 1st prize: $200 Harvey Norman gift voucher
- 2nd prize: $100 Petbarn voucher
- 3rd prize: $100 Farina Pizzeria voucher
Tigers Legends Match
Two teams comprising of players from throughout Damian’s tenure with the Men’s First Grade team will be coming together to play a match at North Turramurra Recreation Area on Friday, June 25th (7pm kick-off, 8pm finish). Spectators are welcome to attend the match and join post-match festivities at Club Turramurra. Team lists will be announced shortly.
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. 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.