First staged in Melbourne in 1993, the Reclink Community Cup is a much-adored charity Aussie Rules match that pits musicians against the music media across the country.
The event’s success has been replicated in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, with Hobart and Brisbane joining the party for 2016. With musicians of the calibre of Tex Perkins, Dan Sultan, Tim Rogers, Brian Nankervis, Mick Harvey having being involved throughout the event's 22-year history, the Reclink Community Cup has raises funds for disadvantaged Australians who face significant barriers to participation.
With four events still to be staged this year, event founder Jason Evans (who has already clocked up more frequent flying points this year organising the six matches than most football teams do in a season) explains why the event has become an iconic part of the local community in each state it has traversed.
2015 Adelaide Reclink Community CupThe expansion of the event to a national scale… it must be mindblowing to consider how the game has grown in the last five years?
It's more of a movement rather than a game. The game goes for 80 minutes, while taking the Cup to every capital city takes months. In doing so, so many other people are involved either organising, volunteering, playing, performing or watching. That's mind-blowing.
Each event is entirely volunteer-run; the people involved (media, music identities, general public) must do an amazing job, hey?
It is. I'm lucky. I swan around in a suit, shake hands, hug people, thank people, drink beer. There are so many hard-working volunteers working hard on the event in each state. I can't thank those people enough; they are the strength to the movement.
Tell us a little about Reclink Australia and how the organisation assists the community?
There are so many of our fellow Australians that need some form of help from the government or welfare organisations – that is a sad reality. However, Reclink provide that support through arts and sports to get people up and about and back into mainstream society. In Tasmania they are teaching newly arrived adults how to swim, so everyone can enjoy the summer landscape around water safely.
2015 Adelaide Reclink Community CupWhat direct impact have the previous Community Cups had with people Reclink assist?
It's threefold. 1. The funds raised from each event to the member Reclink state organisations. 2. The fact we are putting out the Reclink name and its services to a whole, new audience. And 3. My favourite: it's showing everyone how strong community is.
How did the Hobart and Melbourne events fair earlier this year?
Hobart was awesome: a new city, two new teams, the tradition starting there. Melbourne was even more awesome; it was a great line-up. It's important that Melbourne is very successful. It's the home of the Cup, the home of Reclink; we have to do really well there, so the rest of Australia can benefit.
What's the standard of play like? Any major injuries sustained?
Those that have seen a Community Cup know the play is what it is: beautiful, ugly, happy, sad, hot, cold. Yes, sadly there are injuries; there are lots of Megahertz supporters with broken hearts.
There are still games to be staged in Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane this year… can you confirm any media/ music personalities who'll either be lacing up the boots, waving the flags or cutting oranges on the day?
I've been told the SA Premier wants to play, but he hasn't returned my calls. Dj Albo will suit up again in Sydney and maybe Brisbane. We need someone to donate oranges for someone famous to cut.
Reclink Australia is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to enhance the lives of people experiencing disadvantage or facing significant barriers to participation, through providing new and unique sports and arts opportunities and specialist recreation programmes.
Music and other entertainment on the day; surely you won't be relying on the footy skills to get punters through the turnstiles?
That's why I've deleted Meatloaf's number from my phone.
Was there a discussion to playing a rugby league game in the northern states rather than an AFL match? [Ed note: AFL is far, far superior to NRL; far, far!!]
Firstly, it's not AFL, that's a league. The sport is called Australian Rules Football, invented by an Irishman after watching indigenous Australians playing Marn Grook. Playing rugby league (not NRL) was never in the programme. We know the only football you can play with different degrees of skill, with both sexes and with all abilities is Aussie Rules.
2015 Adelaide Reclink Community CupHow can the general public get involved, both prior to the event and on game day?
By bringing as many people as you can. By spending all your money for Reclink. By picking a team and sticking with them. By volunteering. By doing lots of things.
Reclink Community Cup Tour Dates
Sun 7 Aug - Coopers Stadium (Adelaide)Sun 14 Aug - Henson Park (Sydney)
Sun 28 Aug - Steel Blue Oval (Perth)
Sun 25 Sep - Pine Rivers Showground (Brisbane)
