Laef Allen Memorial Round
05 Aug, 2009
MEN’S health will be in the spotlight this Saturday, August 8 when the University Football Club dedicates a round of fixtures to men’s health issues and the memory of former club stalwart Laef Allen
In 2008, the club lost one of its dedicated members to suicide. Laef Allen was a player, coach, committee member and respected friend at the club before venturing to London during 2007. It was whilst in London, on January 26, 2008 that he took his own life.
Following the loss of such an important club member and treasured friend, the University Football Club dedicated a round of fixtures each year to the memory of Laef Allen and to raising awareness of men’s health issues amongst youth.
Many people have experienced significant emotional distress following the passing of Laef, and the club is keen to use this as a motivating factor in creating healthy lifestyle habits.
As a football club with over 250 male members with an average age of 24, the club aims to reach a cross section of society to which it is vitally important to increase awareness of health issues facing young men.
Following the death of a close friend, the club is also keen to promote healthy lifestyle choices amongst members to ensure another member is not lost under tragic circumstances.
To assist in raising awareness of men’s health issues in 2009, the club has joined forces with Youth Focus – a West Australian, non-profit community based organisation working with young people who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm.
The Youth Focus Vision is “To Prevent Youth Suicide, Depression and deliberate Self-Harm”.
Together, Youth Focus and the University Football Club can make a real difference amongst members and the wider community.
The 2009 memorial round fixtures include A Grade against Wesley Curtin at South Oval in Bentley, whilst the E grade side plays West Coast Cowan at McGillivray.
Following the day’s matches, the club will be holding a special “Coaches Comments” presentation evening at the AJ Williams Pavilion at McGillivray. The event begins at 6pm and will include an information session from Youth Focus, the attendance of the Allen family and a barbecue.
Those who wish to show their support for the cause and the club are welcomed to attend any of the events on the day.
FIXTURES
A Grade: University vs Wesley Curtin at South Oval Bentley. Colts 10.45am, Reserves 12.30pm, League 2.30pm
E Grade: University vs West Coast Cowan at McGillivray Oval. Colts 10.45am, Reserves 12.30pm, League 2.30pm
