Sandringham FC partners with the Pat Cronin Foundation

The Sandringham Football Club is pleased to announce a partnership with the Pat Cronin Foundation for our Vic Rajah Family Lawyers Charity Round in July.

The Pat Cronin Foundation was founded by the Cronin family following the death of Pat. In April 2016, 19-year-old Pat went out for a few quiet drinks with mates. Later that night he was struck in the head from behind with a Coward Punch. Two days later his parents made the agonising decision to turn off his life support. See Pat’s story.

Their mission is to empower young Australians to handle conflict, look after their mates, and make wise decisions. They work with schools, clubs and community groups to make positive change.

The Pat Cronin Foundation’s Partnerships Manager, Steve Layt, explains,

“We are here to honour Pat’s life by helping young Australians make wise decisions so we can end the senseless violence that devastates families and communities”.

Steve recently presented to our whole playing group (VFL and VFLW) including coaches and support staff, sharing Pat’s story and discussing consequences for both victims and offenders.

Sandringham FC CEO, Marcus Ashcroft, spoke of the impact of the presentation,

“The presentation and overall message was powerful and provided a strong message of care and support for each other. We are extremely fortunate to have the Pat Cronin Foundation as a partner and we are very grateful for Steve’s powerful presentation to our whole of club.

Both our mens and womens players will take a strong message with them and apply it on and off the football field. We are really proud of all our players as they continue to embrace our inclusive and diverse football club. The Pat Cronin Foundation will enhance our strong set of values and behaviours”.

Find out more about arranging a presentation for your school, sporting club or organisation.

In our Round 16 game against Casey Demons, both teams will play for the Pat Cronin Foundation Medal. The round will be sponsored by long-time supporter of the Club and Coaches’ Sponsor, Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, and will raise funds to support the foundation. 

Principal of Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, Vic Rajah spoke of the partnership and what it means to him,

”We are delighted to partner up with the Pat Cronin Foundation in 2023. The work undertaken in educating the youth of today in understanding the consequences of violence and making wise decisions cannot be underestimated.

As a father of 3 children myself and having had the opportunity to meet with Matt Cronin (Pat’s dad) I can see the positive work being performed by the Foundation, the passion that drives the cause and the everlasting impact it will have on teenagers and young adults. I am very keen to assist the Foundation to increase its reach in Victoria and beyond.”

Steve Layt also spoke of the partnership,

“Our foundation is extremely excited to partner with such a prestigious VFL club in Sandringham. This opportunity will assist us in continuing to honour Pat by empowering young people to Be Wise, Think Carefully & Act Kindly, which is our foundation’s key message”.

We look forward to a long lasting partnership with the Pat Cronin Foundation as our football club strives to better support and care for each other and the community.

Be wise – let’s end the coward punch!