The AFL is pleased to announce the Children’s Cancer Foundation will be the official charity partner of the upcoming AFL Gather Round…A Festival of Football that will be held in South Australia from April 13-16.

Partnering with the AFL since 2014, the Children’s Cancer Foundation aims to create better outcomes for kids with cancer and ensure children across Australia have access to the best possible and most advanced treatments available.

Funds raised during the dedicated round will go towards supporting families and children who will be treated at the new Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research being built in South Australia.

GATHER ROUND All you need to know for the Festival of Footy

The Bragg Centre will be Australia’s first proton therapy unit and provide access to cutting-edge proton therapy treatment for childhood cancer patients which until now, was only available overseas at centres based in the northern hemisphere.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said there was no better time for footy fans across the country to support the important work of the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

“The work of the Children’s Cancer Foundation touches and benefits every Australian child that is treated for cancer and their families,” Mr McLachlan said.

“We are very proud to partner with an organisation that shares the AFL’s commitment to the community and is fighting, every day, for a brighter future for our children.”

Children’s Cancer Foundation Chairman Jeremy Smith said the Foundation was thrilled to be the official charity partner for the first AFL Gather Round.

“For the past 30 years, the Children’s Cancer Foundation has supported children with cancer and their families through national research, clinical trials, clinical care and family support,” Mr Smith said.

“The Foundation is delighted to be the AFL’s charity partner for the Gather Round, with all funds raised supporting the families of those patients being treated at the new Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, many of whom will travel from interstate and be away from home for extended periods.”

Footy fans across the country are encouraged to support the Children’s Cancer Foundation by donating via the website ccfgatherround.com.au or via dedicated QR codes available at each AFL Gather Round match.