Footy Community Digs Deep for Sarcoma SufferersTuesday, November 15, 2022 - 2:46 PM

WA football has continued its proud association with the Sock it to Sarcoma cause, raising more than 24 thousand dollars this year.

The Odd Socks Round held earlier this year, along with the recent Metro North Awards of Excellence, again showed the generosity of WA Football and its junior clubs.

 WA Football has been supporting Sock it to Sarcoma since 2013 by hosting the annual Kalin Foley Cup and Odd Socks Round, encouraging local junior football families to help Sock it to Sarcoma!

Andrew Ridley, Community & Participation Manager at the West Australian Football Commission, has detailed the origins of the footy fundraiser.

“Kalin Foley was in year seven in 2012 when he was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue paediatric sarcoma called Rhabdomyosarcoma after a suspected injury in a game of football.

Kalin had played for Wanneroo Junior Football Club for many years and attended Prendiville Catholic College with many Ocean Ridge Junior Football Club players.

Kalin sadly lost his battle at 15 years of age in September 2014 after an extensive treatment regime.

Remembering Kalin inspired junior football to support this worthy cause,” Ridley said.

Unfortunately, local football clubs have since seen other young people lose their lives to this cancer.

Sarcoma is a group of rare primary bone and soft tissue tumours, given several different names depending on the type of tissue from which they arise.

The causes of sarcoma, including whether there are any underlying genetic links, are not yet established.

Ridley is proud WA football is playing its part in fighting this cancer.

“This is the reason why more research into the molecular biology and etiology is so crucial.

Few people have ever heard of sarcomas, but that number is growing thanks to the work of Sock it to Sarcoma, and we’re thrilled that football can continue to play a part,” he said.

More information: https://www.sockittosarcoma.org.au/