Throughout the month of December, Adelaide United went to great lengths to improve our engagement with the local communities of South Australia.
The Big Issue
- December started with a couple of great visits to a Big Issue event by one of our Young Reds, Doni Pollock.
- The Big Issue is a fantastic organisation that runs social enterprises to create employment for people who are unable to access adequate jobs. These enterprises operate much like traditional businesses, except all revenue is put back into the enterprise for the benefit of the individuals involved and the broader community. This not only provides opportunities for people to earn an income, but also helps build confidence and their capacity to help themselves. The people they help come from a range of backgrounds including mental illness, homelessness, long-term unemployment, intellectual and physical disability and drug and alcohol dependency.
- Doni was generous enough to give the participants all of his old team gear that he had accumulated over the past few years. The men and women involved were very grateful for Doni’s efforts and also had a great day playing some indoor football. The Football Program runs week-in, week-out, and we are very happy to see football helping those who are in need.
- AUFC were also thankful for the invite to the Big Issue’s Christmas event, which Doni again was involved in. The day was a great success which saw those involved able to play a game of football on a blow up pitch, as well as many other entertaining games. The Big Issue were nice enough to put on a free lunch for all involved and everyone was definitely in the Christmas spirit.
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- As we we’re heading into the Christmas period, United Captain, Eugene Galekovic, who is an ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association, decided to pay a visit to the children at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Eugene was accompanied by fellow Reds Dylan McGowan and Tarek Elrich on the day, all bringing some Christmas cheer and presents to the amazingly strong individuals at the hospital.
- The boys visited the Children’s Cancer Ward followed by a few other sections of the children’s department, as well as meeting some very keen AUFC supporters who were happy to give our boys some kind tips and stories about their personal football journeys to date.
- As an ambassador Eugene visits the hospital as much as he can. As much as it is a thrill for the kids, the players get a lot out of these types of visits. Seeing smiles on young faces and bringing a little happiness to them goes a long way for both parties and the boys can’t wait until the next visit.
Football Schools
- Our AUFC Football Schools continued to roll on heading into their Christmas break with Dylan McGowan, Bruce Kamau, Isaías, Jordan Elsey, Craig Goodwin, George Mells, Mate Dugandzic, Eugene Galekovic, Osama Malik, Jimmy Jeggo, John Hall, Mark Ochieng, Ben Warland, Pablo Sánchez, Sergio Cirio, Eli Babalj, Tarek Elrich, Iacopo La Rocca, and Bruce Djite all involved.
- There are only a few weeks to go for our Football Schools and for those interested in future events, keep your eyes posted for more information about a holiday Football Schools programme coming soon.
