Be Wise presentations to two giants of Australian sport – Collingwood Football Club and The Melbourne Storm have capped a remarkable few weeks – with Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury declaring the session offers a message “young people need to hear”.
In the interview above, Scott and fellow Magpies stars Darcy Moore and Steele Sidebottom spoke to Foundation director Matt Cronin, offering their impressions of our first-ever talk at Collingwood Football Club’s AIA Centre.
“For our age demographic and young people it’s a message you need to hear,” says Scott, who sat in on the hour-long presentation.
Midfielder Steele told Matt: “As we’ve just seen in the presentation, what happened to your son is something no parent should ever have to go through.
“A lot of people probably know guys that sometimes step over the mark. It’s about reminding your mates before it’s too late just to pull up and have a think about it,” he said.
Darcy also reiterated the need for young people to “take a moment and reflect” when facing a potentially volatile situation.
“When you’re in those situations you don’t realise how much risk there is. The more we can educate young guys about how to de-escalate and deal with their emotions and look after their mates in those situations will avoid tragedy.”
Melbourne Storm Player Wellbeing Manager Brian Phelan meanwhile commented on how powerful the presentation was, and said the club was keen to have the Foundation back for more sessions.
“These sorts of workshops are essential for the education of our young players,” he said.
“From my perspective, the presentation was invaluable.
“While the players are talented footballers, their ability to make good decisions off the field – while socialising and so on – is also important for the advancement of their careers.”
In addition to the presentations, we’re thrilled with the success of the recent 2022 Pat Cronin Foundation Round encompassing the Northern Football Netball League, Essendon District Football League, and Bendigo Football Netball League – with more than 2,000 footballers and netballers wearing armbands on the field and court in memory of Pat.
To keep up to date with what’s happening with the Foundation, check out our Facebook page. To book a Be Wise presentation, click here or email us at info@patcroninfoundation.org.au Be wise. Think carefully. Act kindly.
