Subiaco Football Club appoints its first Chaplain

The Subiaco Football Club has taken the next step towards improving player health and welfare, appointing Calvin Ko as the club’s Chaplain.

It’s the first Chaplain in the club’s history and the role involves providing pastoral support to the players.

Ko said the players have the freedom to open up, and discuss multiple aspects of their lives.

“Anyone who has issues outside footy and wants to chat, and they can’t talk to any coaches or managers, I’m around to share any stories, have a chat to them, and just try to give them mental support,” he said.

Ko is a lawyer by trade, but is a passionate football man whose whole life is situated in the Leederville area.

He’s a Christian, and is married with two kids, and said it was a role that made sense for him.

While he conceded it may take some time for players to open up, Ko said he’s in it for the long haul. 

There’s still that stigma causing people not to open up,” he said.

“It’ll take some time to integrate within the club, I know it’s a long term thing.

“Some may not approach me for a few years, but my role is to be there and be present for when they do.”

Players have the ability to speak to Ko, with the freedom to express any opinions they have.

He said confidentiality is important.

“Confidentiality is part of the code of conduct, we have to keep it intact,” Ko said.

“Everything that’s told to us, unless the player wants us to share it, is paramount to confidentiality.”

Ko is excited to be a part of the football club, and hopes he can have an impact.