Words by Em Armstrong
As we know, bush communities thrive off the people, support and a lot of helping hands. It’s just like a big family, a village. And a lot of heart and togetherness comes from local sporting clubs. If you have ever been to a game of country footy you know how HIGH the vibes are. Or the power of being “a part of something” with a local sporting, is truly special. To be honest, I don’t think it’s about the game, it’s about connection and community. Two big words we are passionate about in the Saltbush world.
Think of the rough three degree winters day on a Saturday, rain sideways and your hands so cold, you don’t know if you have broken a finger when you catch the ball…but 5pm hits, the games are over and the crowd is still out. The older blokes that hung up their boots 30 years ago, are guaranteed to be there watching the young fellas train.
It’s the connection, it’s the support. It could really be saving grace for some. And hey, others just like beer and pies with mates (and that’s okay too). Again, community and connection.
Living rurally, as you all know – I NEED people, I love being a part of the community in any way possible. I want to chat, I want to give back and you know I’m a BIG footy lover (go the pies, don’t come for me). So becoming a part of the local footy and netty club, the Hay Lions, was a must, total no brainer! Especially with Ted getting older, he’s started Auskick, loves a footy, being with the big kids and so good just starting those skills early, who know’s, maybe we’ve created a little future AFL star…never say never!
Although I have stepped off the netball court for now, I have decided to step into the club in a different way. I’m really excited to be a part of the club as a sponsor this year. Yep, you’ll see that big Saltbush logo on the back of some training shirts, the netty chicks getting into a spicy mat pilates or yoga flow and me there cheering loudly haha.
The importance of it to me is also to give back to the communities who support me. It’s kind of the way the world keeps turning isn’t it. I have some many amazing people part of the local footy clubs that have done so in the past and continued to support Saltbush Stretch. Whether it’s friendly familiar faces coming into The Studio, or in The Squad that can’t make it in or going down to do a private session with the boys for a training night. It’s my turn to give back.
So I’m pumped to not only be a club sponsor but to be a B Grade Netball sponsor as well. There’s A LOT of amazing chicks in this team so I can’t wait to get around them especially – watch this space for a whole lot of good content coming your way over the next few months as the season begins in late April. They are going to wish I never sponsored by the end of it LOL!!! And don’t worry B res, you will always be my team (even if I’m the worst stepper in Australia).
So, get out into your local community groups. If the sporting world is not your vibes, there is so much other goodness you can be a part of. It could be a mothers or family group, charity event, anything. These clubs and groups need local support, and it’s also just so nice to be a part of something special.
Hope you are ready Hay Lions.
Big love. Em xx
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