WRFL ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH PAT CRONIN FOUNDATION FOR 2024
The Western Region Football League (WRFL) is proud to announce its new partnership with the Pat Cronin Foundation, marking the foundation as the Official Charity Partner for the 2024 season. This collaboration signifies the league’s commitment to promoting awareness and prevention of social violence within our communities.
The Pat Cronin Foundation was established in memory of 19-year-old Pat Cronin, who tragically lost his life as a result of a coward punch in April 2016. The foundation’s Be Wise Awareness Program aims to educate sports clubs, schools and community organisations about the dangers of senseless violence, using Pat’s story to advocate for a cultural shift towards non-acceptance of violence.
“Violence has no place in our communities, and it is essential that we work together to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring,” stated David Jennings, CEO of the WRFL. “By partnering with the Pat Cronin Foundation, we are taking a proactive step in promoting a safe and inclusive environment within our League and beyond.”
The WRFL will honour the Pat Cronin Foundation Round over the first weekend in May this season, dedicating these match days to raising awareness about the foundation’s mission and promoting the importance of ending coward punches.
Steve Layt, Partnerships Manager of the Pat Cronin Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to join forces with the WRFL to honour Pat’s legacy and work towards preventing senseless violence. Together, we can empower young Australians to make wise decisions and create safer communities for everyone.”
The WRFL encourages its clubs, players, and supporters to participate in activities organised during the Pat Cronin Foundation Round and to actively promote the #EndTheCowardPunch campaign on social media platforms.
For more information about the Pat Cronin Foundation and its initiatives, visit https://patcroninfoundation.org.au/.
About the Western Region Football League (WRFL):
The Western Region Football League (WRFL) is a Junior and Senior community Australian Rules Football & Netball competition, consisting of 34 Clubs spanning the western suburbs of Melbourne.
With a history spanning over 90 years, the WRFL is the single largest community sporting group in the western suburbs of Melbourne and is home to a diverse and multicultural population.
The league is committed to promoting community engagement and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for players and supporters alike.
About the Pat Cronin Foundation:
Established in memory of Pat Cronin, the Pat Cronin Foundation is dedicated to preventing social violence and promoting a cultural shift towards non-acceptance of violent behaviour.
Through its Be Wise Awareness Program, the foundation educates young Australians about the dangers of coward punches and empowers them to make wise decisions in conflict situations.