Derby Day, blood drive and Jade’s Memorial Round on the calendar for Woombye Snakes FC

Last year, Snakes supporters stepped up to donate blood include, from left, Dylan Dunshea, organiser Geoff Borthwick, Ryan Dunshea and Lesley Dunshea.

On Saturday March 28, the Woombye Snakes Football Club will host their annual Derby Day at their home ground against the Nambour Yandina United Football Club (NYU) in what has become one of the biggest events of the football calendar.

“It is going to be a huge day for our clubs, as it will also be the start of our blood drive for Lifeblood, in an initiative that started last year when one of our members, Geoff Borthwick came up with the idea of turning a blood drive into a friendly competition with NYU,” said Woombye Snakes president, David Gaskin.

Geoff had heard about a similar radio challenge and saw an opportunity to do something for the community and at the same time, have a bit of fun with the NYU club.

“People from both clubs donated blood and it was just a really fun way to turn our rivalry into something very positive,” he said.

Lifeblood Relationship Manager Rebecca Ind said it was wonderful to have some fresh faces in the donor centre at Nambour. “We need lots of fit young people to give blood,” she said.

This year, Rebecca will be at Derby Day to answer questions and also to register those who are interested in taking part in the blood drive.

The Derby Day also coincides with Jade’s Memorial Round.

“Jade’s Legacy has become an important time of remembrance for our Club,” said David.

“Jade’s family have long been members of our Club, and her twin sister, Georgia, is our current Women’s Club captain. Our community was devastated when Jade was killed in a car accident in 2018, and this day is our way to remember her.”

There will be four games on the day, at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm.

Gates will open early and the community is invited to arrive early to get a great spot.

“The canteen will be open all day and there is also a bar,” David said. “There will be heaps of raffles running during the day and we have fantastic meat trays, donated by Woombye Butchery as prizes.

“We are always a bit overwhelmed by the support we receive from our local business community. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”