Junior Footballers Unite for Annual Sock It To Sarcoma! Round Across PerthWednesday, June 18, 2025 - 9:22 AM

WA Football is proud to once again be teaming up with Sock it to Sarcoma! this weekend for the Odd Socks Sarcoma Awareness Round in a bid to help those affected by sarcoma. 

During Round 8 of junior football across Perth from June 20-22, WA Football is encouraging players, coaches and volunteers to put on their brightest, funkiest odd socks and donate to support those affected by sarcoma through vital research and family services. 

Sarcoma often strikes young people and is hard to detect - so every mismatched sock worn during the round helps spark conversation and create awareness, raise funds, and support vital research for better treatments. 

Sarcoma is the second-most common cancer in children aged 0-19 years old and is often diagnosed late and dismissed as a sporting injury. 

Raising funds is vital in helping improve outcomes for those affected by this aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer. 

Mandy Basson, Executive Director of Sock it to Sarcoma!, was grateful for WA Football’s decade-long support for what’s become one of the most heart-warming events on the local football calendar. 

“We’re incredibly proud of such a supportive relationship with an organisation such as WA Football, which matches our focus on community and working together to achieve best outcomes,” Basson said. 

“It is a perfect forum to share the message about a rare cancer such as sarcoma, and the critical importance of getting unexplained lumps and pains checked by a health professional, particularly in young people. 

“The highlights are seeing the increasing enthusiasm of clubs taking part. 

“The energetic vibes and colourful odd socks across all the teams taking part and knowing what this support means to people diagnosed with sarcoma and their families.” 

The cornerstone of the round is the annual Kalin Foley Cup, in honour of former Wanneroo junior footballer Kalin Foley who lost his battle with sarcoma in September 2014, aged 15 years old, after an extensive treatment regime and one hell of a fight. 

The Kalin Foley Cup is played between a Year 7 team from Wanneroo Junior Football Club and Ocean Ridge Junior Football Club each year, the two clubs that Kalin was aligned with and represents the last game of football he played. 

This year’s edition at Wanneroo Showgrounds on Sunday 22 June at 11.30am and will include a bake sale, donation points, sarcoma socks available for purchase and the presentation of the Kalin Foley Cup. 

“Having had the pleasure of meeting Kalin, if only briefly, it is brilliant that his legacy and the message behind the Kalin Foley Cup continues as a testimonial to a wonderful young man and his family and in the process is potentially helping to save the lives of other young people who may experience a similar journey,” Basson said.

Last year more than $24,000 was raised during WA Football’s Sock it to Sarcoma! Round. 

Players and families can donate here