Recently, I was asked why we support childrens’ sport through sponsorship, as opposed to other non-sport community organisations.

The answer for me was simple.

Sport played such an important role in my life as a child and teenager. Softball, show jumping, hockey – they all gave me purpose when I was otherwise lacking it.

Team sports also play such an important role in the lives of children from separating or separated families.

A supportive team when their number one team – their family – has fallen apart.

A happy place away from the conflict at home.

A much-needed release of endorphins.

A regular healthy routine, after their home routine has been flipped on its head.

An opportunity to build self-confidence. To confront and tackle setbacks and obstacles without seeing it as a negative reflection of themselves.

Learning to communicate with a team, when they otherwise might not have a voice at home.

Positive memories throughout an otherwise difficult time.

A way to meet new friends, after being removed from their old social circle.

That’s why, for the last two years, my husband Douglas Giles and I, through The Family Law Co. have sponsored our local Cooks Hill United FC – so all children in our community have the opportunity to reap the benefits of team sport.