2014 Sydney Reclink Community Cup

Overview

Sydney musicians go head-to-head with Sydney community radio and media personalities in one of Sydney's most offensively friendly matches. This Sunday, August 17, the third annual charity AFL match known as the Reclink Community Cup kicks off in the hallowed turf of Marrickville's Henson Park (home ground of the Newtown Jets). As always, the Western Walers (the musos) take on the Sydney Sailors (the media) — and the Sailors have taken out the title two years in a row, so there's Waler hell to pay.

Based around a Melbourne event of the same ilk (the Rockdogs play the Megahertz), the Community Cup was originally started in 1993 by Jason Evans when two pubs challenged each other to an AFL match to raise funds for charity. With the Sydney instalment raising funds for Reclink — a kickass charity dedicated to helping people who are experiencing mental illness, disability, homelessness, substance abuse and social and economic hardship — Community Cup isn't merely a weekend muso runaround. Reclink does some pretty top notch work with Australia's most vulnerable and isolated people, introducing sporting and arts programs to those in need through 580 national agencies. Legends.

Counting the likes of Brett Kirk, Adam Spencer, Damien Lovelock and Dan Sultan as coaches and players over the years, the annually-held Reclink Community Cup is a surefire Good Time date on the calendar for audiences and players alike. This year's official ambassador is Sydney Swans' Jude Bolton. This year’s team captains are ex-AC/DC legend Mark Evans for the Walers and Adam spencer for the Sailors.

Having officially launched a few weeks ago at The Vic on the Park, the whole shebang's run by Reclink, Australia Post, 2ser FM - Real RadioER , FBi Radio, theMusic.com.au, Young Henry's, The Vic, Newtown Social Club and Troy Horse, alongside Marrickville Council and AFL NSW/ACT.

Gates open at midday at Henson Park, entry's by gold coin donation and you can bring your pooches — the venue's totally dog-friendly (but smoke free y'all). There's plenty of pre-match day happenings foot as well; head over to Young Henry's Brewery for a pre-game fundraiser on Sunday with every dollar spent on middies and tasting paddles going to Reclink from 5pm to close.

Drinking and watching the Sydney music industry play AFL for a bloody good cause? Sounds like a right royal Sunday.

Check out the official Community Cup Facebook page for official event news and more pre-match day events.