Calies' mental health soccer match 'starts a conversation'

Albany Caledonians raised more than $4,000 for Beyond Blue after organizing a Mental Health Match during which two under-14 soccer teams played at North Road last Saturday. The event drew a crowd and included Albany MLA Scott Leary conducting the coin toss and introducing the teams, with match officials and club staff taking part in a moment to remember a friend connected to several players who recently died by suicide. The ceremony was organized by Calies’ Rampant coach Nathan Miller and his wife Dee, with Miller saying the goal was to ensure young people know where to find help for depression. He reported the total raised at $4,527 so far, with additional donations expected. On the field, Thistle defeated Rampant 5–0, with Asher Craig named player of the match and Isaac Grundy and Theo Wallefeld each scoring twice.