MONASH Soccer Club will shine beneath a pink spotlight this weekend when it hosts Fortuna over two days for Female Football Week in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The third annual Pink Ribbon Week Cup clash between the clubs will raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and acts as a promotion for the women’s game in Gippsland.
Side by side on the Gippsland Soccer League ladder, both clubs relish the Mother’s Day battle and the chance to claim the first cup of the season.
Host captain Rachel Briggs said while the clash was an important fixture on the calendar, the message of the day took precedence over the result.
“It gets more sportsmanship going on between different clubs and its more about having fun and awareness than just playing to get the win; it doesn’t really matter who wins its about the meaning of the game,” she said.
After missing last year’s Pink Ribbon match through injury, Fortuna skipper Fiona Morrow said it was an honour to be part of the occasion.
“I think it’s a fabulous initiative… it’s a cause that is close to everyone’s hearts at the club,” she said.
“There’s probably not a single player there of any age that doesn’t have a friend or family or some connection to somebody who has been affected by breast cancer.
“It’s definitely something we very much look forward to and very much support.”
All games from small sided under sevens through to the senior match at 11am on Sunday will be played at Monash over the weekend.
Socks, corner flags, line markings, balls, playing shirts and more will all be turning pink for the round, and a pink ribbon will be painted on the pitch.
GSL football manager Paul Crowe said beyond the fundraising effort, the weekend was a chance for the girls to showcase their growing talent.
“It’s an opportunity for the GSL and our clubs to recognise the contribution women make to our great game,” he said.
The inaugural event in 2011 raised about $4000 for breast cancer research.
Saturday games start at 9.30am with the last match scheduled for 2.30pm.
Sunday’s match of the day kicks off at 11am.
For the full schedule visit www.monashsoccerclub.sportingpulse.net
