When the Western Force and Queensland Reds run out to HBF Park on Saturday, they'll be one team in red. Just not the team you're thinking of.
The Force will don a special one-off kit as part of Saturday's 'zero2hero Charity Game', supporting the WA-based youth mental health charity by replicating their colours to raise awareness of the cause.
Find out more about zero2hero here
zero2hero's mission is to equip young people with the skills to look after their wellbeing, support peers whilst reducing the risk of suicide.
The colours have featured prominently on the Force's warm-up jerseys, with the club adopting it as part of the long-term partnership announced at the start of the year.
"We’re proud to stand beside zero2hero in a partnership grounded in courage, care and the belief that connection can change a life," Force CEO Niamh O'Connor said.
"In Western Australia we look after our own. This is about showing up for young people in the moments that matter, wrapping community around them and using the power of rugby to create belonging, resilience and hope.
"We want every young person to know there is a team behind them. And together, we’ll turn the strength of our game into real impact off the field.
"We were really moved by Ashlee’s personal story and we all know mental health issues are becoming more common and talked about, so we’re really happy to play a role in helping this important cause.”
On top of this, there will be a host of other initiatives on the night to help raise funds and improve resources.
All 23 of the Force’s player-worn jerseys from Saturday night’s game will be auctioned off via Match Worn Shirt, while $1 from every attendee’s ticket at the game will go to zero2hero, with major partner Altrad matching that for the first 5,000 supporters through the gates.
The Force have also put on sale a limited number of the replica warm-up tees, with $10 from each sale going to the charity.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, start conversations, and influence communities in a really positive way,” zero2hero CEO Ashee Harrison said. “To partner with the Western Force is incredibly meaningful for us, because it helps highlight an important truth – that mental health education and prevention play a vital role in supporting young people and communities.
“This partnership allows us to reach more young people, more families, and more communities, which is ultimately how we create long-term change.”
