Kawana and Caloundra football teams will honour a former club-mate and raise awareness about men’s mental health, with a special game on Saturday.
The premier men’s sides will play at Birtinya at 6pm, in recognition and memory of Lachlan Wells, who took his own life when he was 25 in late 2018.
The game is also a fundraiser for local charity, Grab Life By The Balls.
Kawana FC president Adam Shelly said it was crucial that people talked about men’s mental health.
“It’s really important, and if there’s something we’ve learned from COVID, it’s that being in isolation and lockdown can make things tough on people,” he said.
“A lot of young guys have young families and there are pressures of work.
“We ask all members of our senior teams to check on each other. If someone’s acting out of character or seems a bit down, ask the question, are you okay?”
Kawana FC also hosts regular functions “to get together and have a chat and find out what’s happening outside of football”.
Mr Shelly said Lachlan was fondly remembered by many club members.
“His former team-mates say he was a very likeable young kid, with electric pace down the sideline.”
“He was very sporting too. Whether his team won, lost or drew he was the first to shake your hand.”
Mr Shelly said Lachlan loved football.
“He was one of the first kids to arrive at training and was and one fo the last to leave the ground. He really enjoyed his football and was a valued member of his team.”
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Current Kawana FC over-35s coach Dean Jacobs played alongside Lachlan and he said it was a privilege to be his team-mate.
“He loved his football, relished being part of our team, of the Kawana culture,” Mr Jacobs said.
“He said very little on the field and his silence in the end proved telling.
“We miss the happy, easy-going lad, the fellow who was beyond excited to win the grand final in his final season.”
Founder of Grab Life by the Balls Sam Parker said the charity was “stoked” to be involved with the Lachlan Wells Charity Cup on Saturday.
“We are all about promoting the overwhelming positive benefits of mateship for men’s health and wellbeing.”
The charity, founded on the Sunshine Coast, runs laidback activities for men ” to hang out with their mates or meet some new mates.”
Lachlan’s legacy also continues with the Lachlan Wells Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to a Kawana junior player each year.
Mental health services
- Lifeline, phone 131114
- Beyondblue, phone 1300 22 4636
- MensLine Australia, phone 1300 78 99 78
- Suicide Call Back Service, phone 1300 659 467
