FIERCE Border rivals on the sporting field joined together off it to raise awareness of mental health issues on Sunday.
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Albury-Wodonga Football Association clubs Melrose and Albury United shared the Mental Health Round at Melrose Park, raising money for headspace and the Black Dog Institute.
As well as the usual matches, the day included information and activities like face painting, bracelet making, stress ball making and colouring in.
The special shirts worn by the senior men’s and women’s teams were auctioned off in the evening.
Organiser Liam Mackay, who co-captains the Melrose senior men’s team, said a few thousand dollars had been raised through the auction and raffles, although the exact amount was not yet known.
The clubs’ youngest players paraded with the senior teams and a minute’s silence was observed before those games to remember victims of mental health illnesses.
“We walked out with the miniroos, just to show that it affects everyone, mental health affects everyone,” Mr Mackay said. “Hopefully this blossoms into an annual event, not only between Albury United and Melrose, but between all clubs.”
He thanked all the volunteers, players, supporters and sponsors who helped make the day a success.