Reclink Community Cup: footy, music and a great cause
Canberra is a city known for its festivals. But you’ve never experienced one quite like Reclink.
A festive mash-up of sport, food, music and entertainment, the Reclink Canberra Community Cup will kick-off this Sunday 8 September at Jamison Oval.
sThe centrepiece of the day is, of course, a good-natured game of Aussie Rules (AFL), where Canberra’s media will face off against Canberra’s musicians, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the day’s offerings. There will also be heaps of live music, cider and beer from Young Henry’s, a classic sausage sizzle and plenty of grass to stretch out on and watch the game.
Founded in Melbourne in 1993, Reclink is a community AFL match that pits local musicians and radio personalities (The Limestones) against local media (The Noise) to raise money for Reclink Australia, an organisation that facilitates evidence-based arts and sports programs for disadvantaged Australians.
This is Reclink’s third year in Canberra, and tensions are high. Last year, The Limestones took home the cup in a huge upset, and this year The Noise is rightfully looking to bag it. Not that we’re, ahem, biased or anything.
Emma Groves (pictured above, right) is a reporter for WIN News Canberra and has worked in Perth, New York City and Alice Springs. But she’s also a killer midfielder for The Noise, Reclink’s media contenders.
At 5″4 with “shocking asthma” that puts her lung function between 40-70%, Emma was “counting on courage more than athleticism or endurance” for her debut in Reclink 2018.
But even tearing her medial collateral ligament (MCL) during a tackle didn’t stop Emma from winning the Best on Ground medal for The Noise–or deter her from signing up to play for the Eastlake Demons after it had healed.
Emma (centre) playing for The Noise.
“Growing up in Adelaide in the 90s, playing ‘marks up’ with my younger brother or the boys at school at recess, and kick-to-kick at Footy Park after cheering on the Adelaide Crows were the closest I could get to playing AFL,” says Emma.
“The heroes of my childhood included Tony ‘Godra’ Modra and Andrew McLeod and that sideline experience helped develop a love for the game…But study, travel, work and relationships took over, and by the time women’s local competitions were taking off, I assumed I was too old.”
But when Emma spotted a Reclink call-out tweet from a fellow Canberra journalist last year, she took her chance.
“I couldn’t believe my luck. A charity AFL event, in a rugby town!”
While Emma describes her first impression of playing AFL as “like seagulls fighting for chips” and “so much running” she also learned quickly that “the human body can take a hit, and keep coming.”
“As well as an opportunity for local media personalities to encourage musicians to keep their athleticism to the stage, the Community Cup raises vital funds for Reclink programs supporting disadvantaged Canberrans–AKA a cause good enough to get anyone into footy shorts.”
Helen Way, a defender for The Limestones (the music team) couldn’t agree more. In fact, it was hard keeping her out of her footy shorts.
“I loved the outfit we got to wear,” she says. “Those oh-so-long socks and that sleeveless top…I felt like I’d turned into the person I was meant to be.”
A classically trained musician like many of her teammates, Helen sings and plays cello and ukulele, performs with Lightbulb Improv and takes to the stage whenever possible.
But when she’s not treading the boards, Helen plays a mean defence, or as she puts it “advanced cuddling”.
“Tackling was my best skill,” she says. “I liked to think of it as advanced cuddling and advanced cuddling with falling on the ground. Pretty sure these are not the official descriptors, but they helped me.”
Having found out about Reclink via Facebook, Helen soon found joy in a sport she had never considered before.
“I’d never played AFL before in my life,” says Helen. “Although fit, I’m not sporty in a bat, ball or team sport way, so I was surprised to find touching that funny shaped ball for the first-time exhilarating.”
“I’m really happy that we can help raise money for some Canberra people who are having a bad run in this life. I hope our efforts lift them up as much as the opportunity to play footy lifts us up. The Reclink people are wonderful!”
Helen Way.
For Helen, however, it’s all about the atmosphere on the day.
“It was such a fun day and I enjoyed my time on the bench, cheering my team, cheering the other team, eating sausages, listening to the bands and the funny commentary. [I’m] so happy to contribute to [Reclink] too. The half-time talk from the Reclink representative was inspiring.”
As Emma puts it, “why wouldn’t you come down to Reclink? It’s a novel way to see some of the region’s best musos and media stars go head to head in a field neither would call their natural domain.”
the essentials
What: Canberra Reclink Community Cup 2019
When: Sunday 8 September. Gates open at 11 am
Where: Jamison Oval, Macquarie
Cost: $15 for adults, $5 concession with kids under 12 free
Tickets: Only available at the gate, on the day
More information: communitycup.com.au/canberra and Facebook
