Juniors
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National Pharmacies Juniors primed for Sammy D Violence Prevention Round

SANFL Head of Football Operations Sean Toohey (centre) with Brighton's Jett Noble (left) and Plympton's Sophie Thomas ahead of Sammy D Violence Prevention Round in the National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors competition.

National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors is preparing for its third Sammy D Violence Prevention Round from Friday June 23 to Sunday June 25.

More than 12,000 male and female players across metropolitan Adelaide are set to join the important cause as they say YES to mateship and NO to violence.

After its successful introduction in 2021, the Sammy D Violence Prevention Round will see all players sporting blue arm bands in their matches this weekend, in a bold, visual display to raise awareness.

Delivering educational sessions within National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors clubs since 2019, the Sammy D Foundation is also offering players and parents the opportunity purchase a Sammy D beanie for $20 at Drakes Supermarkets across Adelaide.

After being placed on hold due to Covid protocols throughout 2020, the Sammy D Foundation’s educational sessions have since resumed across the past three seasons.

The on and off-field violence prevention program – Monkey See, Monkey Do – includes a powerful presentation from Neil Davis, the father of 17-year-old Sam Davis, a budding young football player who was tragically killed as a result of a violent one-punch assault in 2008.

Following Neil’s presentation, players participate in bullying and violence prevention workshops where they explore the personal and community consequences of violence, what influences this behavior, and strategies to respond.

Further to linking up with the Sammy D Foundation, SANFL has also demonstrated its commitment to promote positive on-field behaviour by introducing a Sit Down to Coach Round in last season’s National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors season.

After its successful roll out in 2022, the Sit Down to Coach initiative – designed to remove emotion and provide a calm approach – will continue for at least three rounds in 2023.

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