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The next two rounds of the A-League and W-League will be dedicated to raising funds and showing gratitude to emergency services. Plans were already in place for a forthcoming weekend to be used as a catalyst for drought relief funding,to be dubbed the'HAY League round',but in light of the bushfire crisis,the fundraising will instead extend over two rounds and incorporate both tragedies.
"I am proud to say ... we will be able to continue to raise valuable funds to support those affected by this disaster and also recognise those who have worked tirelessly to fight the fires and save homes and businesses,"Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said in a statement.
"We will also take this opportunity to raise much needed funds for drought relief in Australia and I encourage all members of the football family to donate whatever they can to help all these communities rebuild."
Several players have also formulated their own initiatives. Western Sydney Wanderers defender Matthew Jurman announced on Twitter he would donate $20 for every pass made by him and $100 for every goal scored by the team in their next home match.
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Last month,the club's major active support group,the Red&Black Bloc,raised nearly $50,000 for the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery fund in conjunction with several sponsors of the Wanderers.
On Friday night,Melbourne City donated $2 from every ticket sold for their clash with Western United to the Bushfire disaster appeal. Alessandro Diamanti,the skipper of Western United,also committed to auctioning the kit he wore in that match to raise funds.
The Australian players'union,Professional Footballers Australia,is also using its'Footballers Trust'to donate $1000 for every goal scored in the A-League and W-League this weekend.
"The unity of our nation being demonstrated by everyone. Hoping relief is just around the corner,"tweeted Socceroos and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.