The innovative club has been wearing red arm bands on home match games as a sign that the river, which is the lifeblood of communities throughout South Australia, is dying.

Other clubs in the state are becoming involved with the Port Adelaide Magpies wearing red arm bands against the Eagles earlier this season in the SANFL and as part of the River Murray Football League’s 100th year celebrations on May 16 all clubs will wear red arm bands in support of the river.

Coach of the Goolwa/Port Elliot Football Club A grade side, Simon Dennis says the response has been overwhelming.

“We tapped into the Magpie alliance with the Port Adelaide Magpies and Waikerie in the Riverland Football League.

“Football clubs are a part of the community and the river plays a large role in the economy of communities like Goolwa and it affects the whole state,” Dennis said.

“Ray Najar is the general manager of the Murray Darling Association and he is giving support and clubs as far away as Ceduna are coming on board.

“Mark Ricciuto is right behind the initiative being from Waikerie, s is football legend Kevin Sheedy and we have spoken to schools, which will have it as part of its curriculum,” Dennis said.

The impact the club is having is remarkable with nine schools confirmed to be part of red arm band day on July 31 and it is hoped every school in the state will become involved.

“The river affects everyone and the awareness is growing and the message has to get out there that the River Murray is drying up.

“Governments have been putting the issue off and just forming committees, but it is now time for the people to act,” Dennis said.

To become involved visit the web site www.savethemurray.com.au