A new program designed to support disadvantaged students by providing them with essential items such as footwear, clothing, and equipment to enable participation in sports and extracurricular activities is off to a flying start.
When it went live at 6pm last Friday Play it Forward had already been taken up by more than 10 schools.
Behind the initiative are Josh and Jess Cotter, founders of another great local charity, Rise Above Macarthur United Foundation, in 2015.
For Play it Forward the Cotters will join forces with another local couple, Jake and Kara Alchin, new founding partners from 2024.
“When we started Rise Above, it was always about giving kids the chance to feel seen and supported,’’ said Josh and Jess Cotter in a media statement ahead of the launch of Play it Forward.
“The Play it Forward program is a way to make sure every student has the gear and encouragement to keep chasing their goals – no matter their circumstances.
“At its heart, it’s about wellbeing: building confidence, belonging, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive on and off the field.”
The initiative helps remove the barriers that too often prevent students from engaging in team sports, training, and creative pursuits by delivering tangible support such as footwear, uniforms, protective gear and equipment.
Referrals for the Play it Forward initiative will only be accepted through schools, and must be submitted by teachers or support officers.
“Becoming part of Rise Above and launching Play it Forward means continuing a legacy of community and belief in young people,’’ said Jake and Kara Alchin.
“For us, it’s about creating moments that show kids they matter, and reminding them that when someone invests in you, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.”
For further information email riseabovemacarthur@gmail.com