SCOTT Bailey has experienced for himself what veterans go through after they have completed their service.
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It's why he's organised a fundraising day for Soldier On to coincide with the Port Macquarie Pirates and Hastings Valley Vikings' junior fixtures at Oxley Oval on Saturday.
A former player and now referee, Mr Bailey wanted to play his part to raise awareness for families who may not have been aware that help was available in Port Macquarie.
"I'm a veteran myself, an ex-player and now a referee and our referees on Saturday will be either servicemen or families of ex-service people," he said.
"We felt as referees this was one way we could provide some support and this is one way to publicise it as an event on Saturday."
Mr Bailey said Soldier On works side by side with individuals and families to strengthen resilience and develop meaningful connections with family members, mates, and the local community.
"It helps support veterans and give them the confidence to get back into the workforce after serving," he said.
Referees will wear one-off camouflage jerseys and Soldier On will go through the crowd collecting gold coin donations.
Six games will be played on the day, starting with the under-14 fixture between the Pirates and Vikings.
It will be followed by under-16s, under-18s, ladies, golden oldies and then a 3pm kickoff between the Barbarian Hogs and Old Bar Clams.
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