Richmond Football Club has announced that its annual dedicated match day supporting its preferred charity partner, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, will be Friday night’s Round 18 blockbuster against the Brisbane Lions.

The focus of this year’s match is the Foundation’s Children Ahead program, which provides intensive therapeutic support for children and young people aged up to 18 who have witnessed serious family violence.

The players will wear a special Alannah & Madeline Foundation-themed jumper that includes design contributions from young people who have benefited from the Foundation’s work.

The players’ jumpers will be auctioned off post-match, with money raised further supporting the Children Ahead program. One jumper that will be highly sought after will be Jack Riewoldt’s, who is playing in his 300th AFL match.

Down the road at Citizens Park, all 31 teams at the Richmond Tigers Junior Football Club - more than 500 players – will be wearing purple socks on the weekend of the match in support. The Junior Tigers will also run a fundraising campaign to support the Foundation’s work.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said there are reports of child abuse, neglect, or family violence being made every two minutes in Australia.

“That’s 75 reports just during a football game – a staggering statistic,” he explained.

“The Tiger Army has always championed this important partnership which has provided so many children with much-needed support and protection, and this year is no exception.

“The work of the Foundation is crucial.  Our supporters know, just as we do, that nothing is more important than the safety of our children.”

The Foundation, which has partnered with the Club since 2012, is the leading national charity working to protect children from violence and bullying.

Together with the Tiger Army, Richmond has raised more than $1.2 million to date to support this important work.

Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Sarah Davies said there is a critical need for child-centred support so that those affected can begin to recover after experiencing terrible trauma.

“The Children Ahead program offers a totally integrated and flexible approach to each child that allows them to heal from their experience and try to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs – a bright future,” she said.

“The situation of every child who has witnessed serious family violence is unique.

“The Children Ahead program provides whatever is necessary for that child’s therapy and recovery process, with support ranging from psychological counselling to providing school shoes for a child who has none or food for their empty lunch box.

“These things are equally important first steps that allow children to recover and thrive.”

Over the last nine years, funds raised by the Tiger Army have contributed to the support of more than 96,000 youngsters, including 379 young people, through the Children Ahead initiatives.

Ms Davies said that the Club’s contributions helped make an enormous difference in the lives of Australian children and was a testament to an enduring and important partnership.

“The Foundation has reached more than 2.7 million children through our care, prevention, and advocacy programs over the past 24 years,” she added.

“It is because of partners like the Richmond Football Club and its members, supporter base and leadership that we can create a safer world for children. We are very grateful.”