The Southern Cross | July 2022

Scarves come out for Socktober

It wasn’t just the chilly morning temperatures in Adelaide that had Archbishop Patrick O’Regan and head of Catholic Education SA Neil McGoran reaching for their scarves last month.

The opportunity to have a chat about soccer and attend the Socktober launch at St Pius X School in Windsor Gardens were another two good reasons to don the warm neckwear.

A mad keen Celtic supporter, Dr McGoran proudly wore the green and white of the traditionally Catholic Glasgow-based team, while the Archbishop was more parochial choosing to show his support for Adelaide United.

With soccer balls flying around them, the duo cut the ribbon to mark the official start of Catholic Mission’s annual Socktober fundraiser, which encourages students across the country, and their families, to ‘kick goals for good’.

“I’m very proud to be meeting the students and staff of St Pius X School today and I think it is fitting that they are launching Socktober across the Archdiocese, given their demonstrated commitment to global mission over the years,” Archbishop O’Regan said at the June 17 event.

One of the strongest participating schools in Australia, St Pius X raised more than $1500 for children in Cambodia last year.

With its basic premise being to kick goals to support vulnerable children around the world, Socktober has at its heart both the world game of soccer and Pope Francis’ Sport at the Service of Humanity initiative.

“Socktober is another wonderful way for our students across the Archdiocese, and indeed the country, to understand the power of sport to bring about change in the world through unity, respect and love,” said Dr McGoran.

“Our former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou leading Celtic to a Scottish premiership shows how networked the game of soccer truly is. Socktober uses this to show our students that while we may enjoy greater privilege, they share common interests with their brothers and sisters in developing countries.

“You do not need to love soccer or sport to make a difference in the lives of children in need – the goals are your goals; however small you might think they are.”

Catholic schools across the State are now being encouraged to sign up for the event, which will run through to the end of World Mission Month in October. This year funds raised will support children facing malnutrition and food insecurity in Ethiopia.

To learn more about the initiative and register for Socktober go to www.socktober.org.au

Picture: Students at St Pius X School with Archbishop O’Regan and Neil McGoran for the official launch of the 2022 Socktober event. Picture: Ben Macmahon