Valued Swannies sponsors Lagler and Al Fresco’s will be donating funds to the Centre of Protection of Children in Vung Tau (aka the Vung Tau Orphanage), when they face off during next weekend’s Friendship Match festivities.

Next Saturday the 22nd of April, the Lagler Legends and the Al Fresco’s All-Stars will play off for the Commbank Cup, the traditional curtain raiser which is held before the Friendship Match.  And in an effort to rev up the players that participate in the lighthearted yet competitive match, both businesses will be donating per goal that their named team scores.

And to make the wager even more interesting, both teams have agreed to double their donation if their team loses.

The Vietnam Swans will be assisting with the fundraising effort, pledging to donate $5 from each Vietnam Swans cap sold on the day.  All 2017 Swans merch will be available to purchase at the ground during the day.

Every year, the Swans donate to the Vung Tau Orphanage as well as their primary charity Swim Vietnam, with proceeds being raised from raffle tickets and auction items (both drawn at the annual Macmillan Dinner) being split between the two organisations.

Not sure what’s happening during the 2017 Friendship Match?  All of the information relating to the weekend can be found here.

Lagler Managing Director Cameron Luke had this to say about the exciting announcement:

“I have been a longtime supporter of the orphanage in Vung Tau and love visiting the kids there.  Being able to help out these kids through the entertaining Legends and All-Stars match is fantastic.  Go Legends, and go Swannies!”

Cameron visits Vietnam every year in April, to visit the orphanage as well as attending the Swans’s Friendship Match at the historic dog track.

Ben Winspear, Southern Manager of the Al Fresco’s Group, was also keen to get involved in the initiative:

“Al Fresco’s loves being a part of the Commbank Cup festivities that the Swans put on every year, and I can’t wait to see some awesome footy next Saturday, all played for a great cause.”

With some of the current Swans playing group unable to make the squad for the Friendship Match due to high numbers, the Legends/All-Stars match is shaping up to be a very interesting match of footy with some red-hot players itching to show off their skills.  Let’s hope they can kick straight!

Only in the Legends/All-Stars match would you ever see so much Swannies royalty in one photo!

Players wanted for the 2017 Commbank Cup (Legends v All-Stars)

Do you want to play in the Commbank Cup next weekend?  Teams are currently being organised for the Lagler Legends and Al Fresco’s All-Stars.  The match will be played at 12pm on Saturday 22nd April, at the Lam Son stadium in Vung Tau. The Friendship Match between the Vietnam Swans and Cambodian Eagles will follow directly afterwards.

No previous AFL experience is required – players will be matched up against people of similar skill levels.

If you’re interested in playing, send an email to Chris at chrisdsalmon@gmail.com to register your interest.

A women’s match will be preceding the Commbank Cup, featuring the Saigon Gaels and the Cambodian Apsaras.  Kickoff starts at 11AM!