In Round 19, the Essendon Football Club teamed up with Challenge and official partner Yakult for the 2025 ‘Challenge Game’ to support kids with cancer.
Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation who provide support to kids and families battling through childhood cancer. Their free and immediate support gives families a beacon of light through emotional, social and practical programs and initiatives.
For more than 20 years, the Club have committed to making an impact off the field, raising more than $1 million for Challenge.
Thanks to our Bomber community, partners and players, we’re proud to announce that this year we’ve raised a record-breaking $75,276 for the cause, exceptionally exceeding our goal of $50,000.
This year, Yakult’s charitable $20,000 donation saw funds directed to Challenge’s Playgroup at the Challenge Family Centre. Due to a high risk of attending their usual playgroups while going through treatment, this program gives children a safe environment to socialise and connect with other kids and families.
In 2025, the funds from the ‘Challenge Game’ will be directed towards an exciting new focus at Challenge, their unique weekly playgroup initiative. This program will provide children and families with a safe, supportive, and joyful environment to connect, learn, and grow together. This initiative will be known as the Yakult Playgroup.
Fujitsu General Australia and Dutton One also made their impact through generously donating funds from their gameday on-field activations to the cause for a combined total of $3,000.
Essendon players made a difference this year through hospital visits and match-day boot painting with Challenge kids. The group also collectively donated an incredible $10,000 worth of their player wages to Challenge, through the AFL Player’s Association.
Additionally, thanks to ticketing donations, player match-worn boot and jumper auctions, Guelfi X Alexis Tackling Childhood Cancer T-Shirt sales and direct donations, we’ve been able to break this significant record.
Essendon Football Club CEO Craig Vozzo touches on the importance of supporting Challenge, and the impact that the partnership has had on the players and the greater Club.
“We’re proud to have delivered this record-breaking total to such a worthy cause. We see the life-changing impact that Challenge’s programs and services provide to families and kids doing it tough, so we’re ecstatic to support the cause in such a big way,” Vozzo said.
“The Club are privileged to partner with Challenge to provide not only financial support, but memorable experiences for children going through childhood cancer. It’s a special round that we all look forward to and are grateful to be a part of every year.
“Watching our players interact with the Challenge kids was something that I’ll never forget. Not only did this opportunity put smiles on the kids’ faces, but it put a lot into perspective for our players.”
CEO of Challenge David Rogers highlighted the significance of this partnership and its impact beyond the field.
"When sport and community come together, the impact goes far beyond the field. Essendon Football Club and Challenge show how passion, purpose, and people can combine to truly change lives,” Rogers said.
"Together, Challenge and Essendon FC remind us that footy’s greatest victories are not on the scoreboard, but in the lives it touches.
“The partnership between Challenge and Essendon Football Club is proof that footy is more than a game, it has the power to bring hope, unity, and real change to families facing childhood cancer."
The vital funds raised for Challenge directly supports the essential programs and services that bring comfort and assistance to children with cancer.
It’s thanks to the Bomber fans and greater community that these kids are given a beacon of hope in their cancer journey. Whether it’s through attendance, donations, or simply spreading awareness, your support has gone a long way.
