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THE Bendigo Football Netball League community will band together this weekend and lend its support to campaign to stamp out social violence.
Players across the league will wear orange laces as part of the 'Team Lace Up' campaign, to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of social violence.
More than 40,000 footballers and netballers across Victoria are expected to show their support.
Ther BFNL is encouraging club members to share their lace up pledge by posting 'I'm lacing up because ...' on social media, with the hashtag "TeamLaceUp.
BFNL manager Carol Cathcart said the league had been overwhelmed by the response from clubs.
"It's a great cause and if we can make a difference as a league and save a life, it's definitely worthwhile," she said.
"I sent the information out to clubs and almost immediately I had the clubs coming back and saying 'signed-up, done, already - it's a great message we want to send'.
"Every club has been rally keen to be involved. If we can get our older people and younger people thinking about these things and working together, it's real important."
The campaign is backed by non-profit organisation Step Back Think, which aims to eliminate social violence, including one-punch assaults, pub brawls and street fights.
Eight people have lost their lives to social violence in Victoria this year.
The BFNL continues to be a strong promoter of social causes, including its indigenous round, police Blue Ribbon Foundation round and later this year a Donate Life round, encouraging players and supporters to consider organ donation.
The league will also have a Headspace round focusing on mental health awareness.
Asked if the league would consider an initiative aimed at supporting the elimination of violence against women, Cathcart said it was a definite possibility.
It follows a furore over disparaging remarks by one of the game's highest profile personalities Eddie McGuire against fellow media identity Caroline Wilson.
Cathcart believed AFL Central Victoria and affiliated leagues were doing all they can to raise awareness and raise the conversation around domestic violence.
"It's something we could look at and consider and it is something our clubs have already been involved in through the White Ribbon day here (in Bendigo),” she said.
"Even though it's not in football season we have had clubs march in that.
"While we don't have a day for that specifically it is something we respect and has been included in some of the education and welfare efforts from AFL Central Victoria."
Regional general manager Paul Hamilton has previously called for a culture shift to tackle domestic violence.
The former Essendon defender told the Bendigo Advertiser culture involved the minimum standards society permitted, and organisations needed to send a clear message that violent and controlling behaviour was not acceptable.
"I think (violence against women) is a huge issue in our society and culture," he said.
"I think it's something we need to stand up for.
"We're keen to make sure there's education."
Meanwhile, BFNL president Dr Carol McKinstry said social violence was a very import at issue and one of great relevance to the league’s players.
“Team Lace Up is a wonderful opportunity for our football and netball community to show its support in preventing social violence,” Dr McKinstry said.
“I encourage everyone to get behind this both through the orange laces and social media.”