The sport is still mourning a series of recent tragic deaths which may have been averted with the help of organisations like beyondblue.

Now Sydney FC have dedicated their Big Blue clash with Victory to be a showpiece for beyondblue at Sydney Football Stadium on March 10.

beyondblue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety, and related alcohol and drug issues, and to reduce the associated stigma. More than three million Australians experience depression or anxiety, with men traditionally reluctant to ask for help.

“Sydney FC has partnered with a number of good causes as we put together the Sydney FC community program, but the link with beyondblue is an initiative that is very close to the hearts of our players,” said Sydney FC CEO Dirk Melton today.

“Depression and anxiety are very real issues and as well as raising awareness for the great work beyondblue does, it is also important for the education and well-being of our players.

"Like everyone in society, depression and anxiety can affect sportsmen with recent high-profile cases highlighting the issue.

“Late last year, the players and coaching staff took part in the Movember campaign to help raise funds and awareness for male depression and this community partnership is a continuation of that commitment.

“The Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory game is one of the highest profile matches on the A-League calendar and hopefully we can use the match to highlight to Australian men and their partners that it is okay to seek help for depression and anxiety.”

When it comes to tackling depression and anxiety, neither state borders, political backgrounds nor interstate sporting rivalries prevent people from uniting for the cause.

beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett, a former Victorian Premier and former NSW Premier Morris Iemma are both members of the beyondblue Board and united in raising awareness of these conditions and reducing the associated stigma by supporting the beyondblue Cup.

Kennett welcomed the initiative and hailed it as a wonderful community gesture.

“I would like to thank Sydney FC for assisting us to help people with depression to get help," he said.

"Having a beyondblue Cup game is a fantastic way to raise awareness amongst fans and let people know all they have to do is ring our info line to find out where to get help.”

To find out about depression and anxiety call the beyondblue info line on 1300 224 636 or go to www.beyondblue.org.au.