A sports club provides a sense of belonging, purpose and more
THE pursuit of premiership glory is not the be-all and end-all for many sporting clubs across the country.
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In recent years, Sports Chaplaincy Australia has played a key off-field role at several Bendigo Football Netball League clubs, the Bendigo Umpires Association, and the Bendigo Pioneers.
The health and wellbeing of players is not just focused on recovery from injury and form, but in dealing with a myriad of issues.
Just how delicate mental illness is was shown after Friday night's AFL match between Geelong and Collingwood.
As the Geelong players sung the club song, Mitch Clark was away from the throng.
What triggered his reaction will only be known by those in the inner-sanctum at the club.
Across the weekend, Clark tweeted some thoughts about the aftermath to Friday's game.
"Like I have said I'm nowhere near 'cured' and am still learning how to best deal with my dark days," Clark tweeted.
"Please if you're struggling, reach out and ask for help. You're not alone."
It's a message that strikes a chord with many people, not just those in the world of sport.
For those involved in Sports Chaplaincy Australia such as Pastors Dave Lovell and Bruce Claridge, pictured, their roles at South Bendigo and Golden Square football netball clubs respectively provide many challenges.
"The support from the club coaches and presidents is fantastic," Pastor Claridge said.
A player struggling for form may do so not because of injury or loss of confidence, but other factors such as work stress, financial worries, family problems or more.
No matter how big or small, a sports club provides so much - whether it be a sense of belonging, purpose and more.
The club chaplains do not profess to have all the answers, but listening and counsel where appropiate to deal with some problems can make a huge difference.
The role Greg Lyon plays at the Bendigo Pioneers, Andrew Johnston at Strathfieldsaye Storm, Rob Bretherton at Gisborne, and Dale Caldwell at the Bendigo Umpires Association are crucial.
As the Victorian State Regional Co-ordinator of SCA, Pastor Claridge is responsible for identifying, training , appointing and mentoring chaplains throughout the state.
He is presently in discussions with Bendigo Spirit, Maryborough Football Netball Club, and the Bendigo Baseball Association about SCA being available.
An SCA level one chaplaincy training evening is on this Wednesday at the Bendigo Baptist Church, McIvor Highway, Junortoun from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
The free course will give present and potential chaplains an overview of the role of Chaplains and the structure of SCA as it aims to continue to grow.
