The Perth Football League (PFL) has seen an incredible first half of the 2024 season, emphasising the positive impact of football within the community. From grassroots participation to heartfelt fundraising efforts and themed rounds, the PFL continues to foster a spirit of inclusivity, support, and camaraderie across the Perth metro area.

With nearly 13,000 registered players across the Perth metro area, the PFL is thriving at the grassroots level. The league accommodates diverse grades including Mens, Womens, Colts, and Integrated divisions, ensuring an inclusive environment for anyone eager to play the game.

A standout story this season is that of Laurence Kalokwera, who joined the Forrestdale Football Club in 2023 without any prior experience in football. Embraced warmly by the club, Laurence's dedication to learning and volunteering has been a source of inspiration for all.

Fundraising Initiatives 

The 2024 season has already seen impressive fundraising efforts, showcasing the league's commitment to giving back. Notable initiatives include: 

• Curtin University Wesley's Pink Tiger Day: Over the past 13 years, this event has raised more than $500,000 for the McGrath Foundation. This year, round four saw $55,000 raised through auctions, raffles, ticket sales, player donations, and sponsor fundraisers. 
• Roleystone's MND Big Tiger Freeze: On the same day the club competed for the Tiger Cup against Canning South Perth, Roleystone raised over $2,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. 
• Forrestdale's Big Freeze MND Game: Raising $6,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA and $7,315 for Fight MND through various activities, including raffles and a dunk tank. 
• Scarborough's Blue Tree Round: Aimed at raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, with all funds going to the Blue Tree Project. 
• Yanchep's Pink Day: Raised around $1,800 for breast cancer research. 
• Winnacott: Bravo Memorial Round is to commemorate the life of Anthony Woods and all first responders who risk their lives 
• Melville Rams held their Pink Day which was a great success and raised some great funds for breast cancer. 
• University’s Push-Up Challenge raising funds for Lifeline WA.

Curtin Uni Wesley's Pink Tiger Day

Upcoming Events 

The season promises more exciting events and fundraising opportunities: 

• Belmont Districts’ Blue Sock Day to help raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer Australia 
• Roleystone's Sock it to Sarcoma Day 
• Scarborough's Sock it to Sarcoma Day 
• Cockburn Lakes’ Sock it to Sarcoma Day 
• Forrestfield’s Sock it to Sarcoma Day 
• Whitford’s Breast Cancer Care WA Round 

Celebrating Families 

The PFL is also about family, with numerous clubs showcasing the familial bonds that strengthen the league: 

• Swan Athletic: Kane, Matt and Zac playing together for the first time in the League side as past player and dad Andrew watched on. 
• Ocean Ridge: Featuring three sets of brothers in the league side - Kurt and Tye Hindmarsh, Brayden and Jacob Templeton, and Connor and Clint Hinchcliffe. 
• Cockburn Lakes: Boasting five Plunkett family members in the league side. 
• UWA: Honouring the memory of Harry Stead. 
• Canning Vale: Highlighting the Hansen family with five players across the Women's, Reserves, and League sides. 
• Ellenbrook: A heartwarming moment saw Ellenbrook’s captain and inaugural women’s player, Michelle Mippy, playing alongside her daughter Tamia, who kicked two goals in her first senior game. 
• Coolbellup: Regan, Brieghton and Billy all playing together in midfield and kicking seven goals between them.

The Hansen Family all playing for Canning Vale.

PFL Themed Rounds 

The PFL has organised several themed rounds to honour various causes and contributions: 

• ANZAC Round 
• Stop the Coward Punch Round 
• Umpire Appreciation Round 
• Volunteer Week 
• NAIDOC Round 

As the season progresses, the Perth Football League continues to strengthen community spirit, inclusivity, and dedication. These initiatives and stories highlight the profound impact football can have, far beyond the field.