Hampton Rovers Juniors

For Boys and Girls

Congratulations Sachi – SMJFL Leader of the Month

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President’s Update

The SMJFL Monash University Leader of the Month is a program designed to recognise outstanding leadership in the local football community. I’m delighted to share with you a wonderful story of one of our outstanding young players, Sachi Norton, the worthy recipient of the SMJFL Leader of the Month of May 2022.

Sachi is one of the valued members of the Hampton Rovers Juniors U16 Girls team. In June 2021, Sachi’s father, Matt, was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and sadly passed away shortly thereafter. Sachi (14 at the time) channeled her energy and took positive action to honour her dad:

  • Sachi joined the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation’s Unite to Fight Cancer 200km Bike Ride to raise funds for cancer research. Sachi had never ridden more than 10km at once prior to this.
  • Sachi ran an awareness campaign using social media and outdoor signage which she sourced from a local real estate agency. As her father was a massive Melbourne Dee’s supporter she engaged a graphic designer to use imagery from the Demons on the billboard to attract attention to the cause, coinciding with the AFL Grand Final series.
  • During October 2021, Sachi rode the 200km with her family’s support. Sachi raised more than $12,000, exceeding her initial goal of $5,000.
  • The Hampton Rovers Junior Committee nominated Sachi for the SMJFL Monash University Leader of the Month, and she was successfully awarded it for May. Our heartfelt congratulations to Sachi for her courage and leadership under extreme adversity. Sachi was presented with the Award at Castlefield Oval in early June by the SMJFL’s Cam Watts.

Witnessing the presentation was the U16 Girls Upper Division and Women’s Seniors teams at training. I was pleased to introduce Sachi and tell her story.

I’m sure that Sachi’s father Matt would have been extremely proud of her, as is the club. Sachi is an outstanding young woman and superb role model for anyone going through adversity.

Our congratulations again go to Sachi. You can read more about Sachi’s achievements on the SMJFL website.

#gorovers
Rohan Bardwell
Hampton Rovers Juniors President