VFLW player Phoebe McWilliams shares her own anecdotes relating this week's beyondblue Round, and explains why the family environment at sporting clubs is so important.
Read: VFLW Round 2 Team announcement
Two years ago a close friend of mine lost her brother.
I played footy alongside this friend for nearly ten years. When I heard the news, even though I didn’t know her brother that well, it upset me greatly to think how much it would affect her and her family.
I found out at training the day after it happened. I was surprised then to see my friend turn up to training the same night. I went up to my friend and gave her a hug. No words were said.
A lot of people were shocked that she was at training so soon after the incident. But having known this friend for such a long period of time I knew she would have just wanted to be around her teammates and be distracted by what she loved most – football.
Her presence at training was a reminder to me of how important team sports are. The friendships that are formed through sport are invaluable and the culture that clubs create are so important to those involved.
I know being part of a football club personally gives me a sense of belonging. Training gives me structure and purpose. It also gives me a social outlet where I develop friendships - a lot that I will keep for life. Football keeps me fit both physically and mentally.
A number of sports teams use the word family to describe their culture. That’s because it’s a very accurate representation of the relationships that are formed in these environments.
In football especially, you rely on teammates to protect you on the field - through their communication and actions. You cannot win a football game alone.
It’s also important that clubs have your back off the field as well.
As a female footballer, there are a number of challenges we face – juggling work, family, relationships and training. At times it can become quite stressful.
Even though my time at Hawthorn has been brief, I know that if there are any issues that they can speak to the club’s welfare staff, my coach or my teammates. I almost feel like we are encouraged to do so. The club has created an environment where players feel comfortable, safe and open.
I am extremely proud to play at a club who places such emphasis on mental wellbeing. This weekend’s Beyond Blue Round is just another example of this and I will wear my blue wristband with pride.
