PAT CRONIN FOUNDATION ROUND: MAY 1-3
Community football will once again take centre stage from May 1 to 3, as clubs, players, officials and supporters unite for the 2026 Pat Cronin Foundation Round.
The Western Football Netball League is again proud to participate in the Round alongside other Victorian leagues in support of the Foundation’s movement to end senseless violence.
The Pat Cronin Foundation Round honours the life and legacy of Pat Cronin, who was just 19 years old when he tragically lost his life as a result of a coward punch in April 2016.
Each year, the Round encourages thousands of participants in community football to pause, reflect and recommit to creating environments where competition is strong, but respect always comes first.
Ahead of this weekend, Matt Cronin, Pat’s father and the Director of the Pat Cronin Foundation said violence has no place in our society let alone on the sporting field.
“Changing attitudes starts with education and we’re proud to be giving clubs the tools and leadership to take action,” he said.
In 2026 the Round will unite more than 300 clubs and over 75,000 participants with players and volunteers this weekend, to wear the Foundation’s yellow ‘Be Wise’ armbands.
Clubs are also encouraged to actively show their support for the Foundation’s mission through pre‑game addresses, player education sessions, visual displays and community engagement activities to serve as a conversation starter about the role we all play in looking out for one another.
The WFNL’s dedicated Pat Cronin Round Marquee Match Day will take place at JK Grant Reserve where Altona will host Caroline Springs in senior and reserves football and Hoppers Crossing in the under 18s.
WFNL CEO David Jennings said the League is a proud to partner with Pat Cronin Foundation.
“The Pat Cronin Foundation do incredible work in our community. The way they continue to support the League, our Member Clubs, and our people is something we genuinely value,” he said.
“This weekend marks the Pat Cronin Round which is really important to us. It is about respect, it is about looking out for each other and making sure community football and netball are safe places where everyone can enjoy the game for the right reasons.”
Other ways to support the Pat Cronin Foundation including buying a raffle to win a Mazda CX-5, with all proceeds going towards expanding the Foundation’s education programs.
This year, there is also a Club Challenge, with the top-selling club in each league to win a $500 VISA card to support their club.
More information can be found HERE
To hear a quick interview with Matt Cronin listen to this week’s edition of the WFNL podcast HERE