Tigers backing disabled surfers

On Saturday 5th July, the Northern Districts Tigers, with the support of Quay Collective and Carlton United Breweries, will throw their weight behind the Disabled Surfers Association (DSA).

On the day, first grade players will don a specially designed commemorative guernsey against Port Kembla.

That Guernsey will represent both the club’s history and the Tigers biggest supporter, Brenton Ashford-Potter, on what should be a huge day of footy at ‘Fortress Hollymount’.

The Guernseys are one-off pieces and commemorate 30 years since the last Tigers 1st grade premiership, and to further help the South Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association, they will be auctioned off that night at the clubs major sponsor, Woonona Bowling Club.

Part of the proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Disabled Surfers Association, a voluntary organisation which assists those with disabilities get back into the water.

Initially set up for injured surfers, within a short time the DSA had dramatically widened its target group to cater for all disabilities.

DSA receive no government funding and exist purely thanks to a group of volunteers and the love for what they do.

And according to the South Coast branch President Ian Picton, its open to anyone willing to have a go!

“Our motto for all participants and volunteers is very simple, prepared to get wet and put smiles on dials,” Picton said.

During the afternoon players will also be walking around the ground with a bucket whereby spectators can donate to this worthy cause so please give generously.

Once the surfing season returns in the warmer months, the Northern Districts Tigers will also be lending their support on one of the ‘Hands On’ Days, a day where there should be plenty of ‘Smiles on Tigers Dials’.

Club President Trent Avery knows the importance of raising awareness and providing financial support for a cause such as this and hopes that the Tigers community will get right behind the day by digging deep.

“Being part of a football club, we see fit young men in the prime of their life doing what they love without limitation.

There is no opponent on the field anywhere near as tough as that which Brenton faces, so for the Tigers to be able to play a small part in the great work which Disabled Surfers Association do, and knowing the joy this brings to Brenton and many others, is one we very proud to support,” Avery said.

“Brenton has been a part of the Tigers family his whole life (and a 5+ year member of the DSA) and is without doubt its biggest champion so when we were considering a charity to associate with, it was a simple decision to support our biggest supporter in something he gets great joy from.”

Quay Collective, a boutique clothing store in Wollongong, was quick to jump on board to support the day.

Founder Michael ‘Muzzy’ Graham is proud to be able to support the day, “Growing up on the South Coast you take for granted the ability to go for a surf as you please so to support a great foundation such as Disabled Surfers Association to allow those with a disability to enjoy the magic of the ocean is one I’m really pleased to be able to support.”

For more information please go to the Disabled Surfing Associations website.