1977 premiership player Peter Keenan helped The Huddle launch a new football team last fortnight, which reaches out to people in the local community. The cohealth Kangaroos provides access to team sports for people who find it difficult to access mainstream sports clubs, due to challenges such as mental illness, homelessness and migration.
Cohealth Transitional CEO Lyn Morgain says the new initiative will provide a fun way to stay fit, become more engaged in their local community and make lasting friendships.
"Joining in and being part of a team like the cohealth Kangaroos improves mental and physical health and well-being and assists participants to develop a sense of belonging, self-worth and community connection.
"Often a secondary outcome of teams like cohealth Kangaroos is the ability to link participants in to other health and support services, to build community and connection."
The cohealth Kangaroos will compete in the Reclink Football League with their first match on Wednesday June 4 at Victoria Park against the Collingwood Knights. The Roos' first home game will be at JJ Holland Park, Kensington on June 18.
cohealth is one of the largest community health organisations in Australia, servicing a broad area of high-growth communities across Melbourne's northern, western and inner suburbs.
cohealth provides services assisting mental health, family violence, alcohol and other drugs, aged care and medical and integrated health. For more information visit cohealth's website.
