THE Woolgoolga Wolves were forced to put the champagne on ice after being held to a 1-1 draw by a gutsy Boambee Bombers performance in Saturday’s Men’s Premier League clash.
Teen sensation Bailey Barden gave the Bombers the dream start, opening the scoring after just 16 minutes.
Boambee defended resolutely for 87 minutes, however Woolgoolga’s Ignacio Ortega struck in the dying minutes to share the points.
While the result delayed Woolgoolga’s title hopes for another day, the weekend offered something much bigger than football.
In partnership with Lifeline North Coast, Woolgoolga FC hosted a special Mental Health Round – a two-day community showcase that drew an estimated 1000 people to their home ground.
“It was an incredible weekend of football, connection, and community,” said club committee member and Club Wellbeing Officer Lindsay Mamone.
“From the women’s round on Friday night with a great vibe and around 250 people, through to a packed Saturday of junior and senior games, the support was just amazing.”
The club pulled out all stops – junior walk-ons, kids’ activities, coin tosses by special guests Gurmesh Singh and Nikki Williams, plus appearances from NSW Fire & Rescue, a TikTok influencer, and the North Coast Football GM Duncan Marchant.
The result was an impressive $10,000 raised for Lifeline.
“We are so proud,” Mamone said.
“That’s a huge result for a community club like ours.
“Every dollar will go to mental health, suicide prevention, and bereavement services in our region.”
For Mamone, the real win was off the pitch.
“Football is more than just a game – it’s about people,” he said.
“Events like this allow us to use sport as a way to bring everyone together, start conversations, and support organisations like Lifeline who are there for our community in the toughest of times.
“Mental health affects everyone in some way, and showing that we stand together sends a powerful message.
“Seeing kids, families, players, supporters, and community leaders all side by side created such a special atmosphere.
“Our club members, committee, players, and volunteers worked tirelessly, but it was the community turning up in such big numbers that made it such a success.
“It shows the strength of Woolgoolga and the power of sport to connect people.”
By David WIGLEY
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