THE New Norfolk football community has reached out in support of Cygnet footballer Ryan Wiggins who faces the fight of his life after an off-field accident.

The New Norfolk District Football Club supported the Southern Football League’s decision to postpone last weekend’s games.“

The football community in Tassie has always looked after its own people,’’ a spokesperson for the NNFC said.

“Over the weekend one of Cygnet Football clubs players suffered a horrible accident.

“If you can help out please click the link below. Wishing you all the best Ryan.”

’’The link is to a go fund-me page, which has already reached $163,000.

Wiggins is now at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne for surgery after he broke his spine.

He was initially taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital and placed in ICU, later flown to Melbourne.

A family tribute said: “On Saturday (July 3) Ryan Wig-gins suffered a devastating near fatal accident which has left him with a serious spinal injury.’’

“He is in a critical condition fighting for his life at the Roy-al Hobart Hospital.

“Early diagnoses suggests he may end up paralyzed.

“Ryan had a seven-hour surgery on Sunday (July 4) and another scheduled today (06/07) in the hope that this may stabilise him, so he can be airlifted to the Austin Hospital in Melbourne today.

“Once at the Austin hospital a full diagnosis can be made and they will provide emergency care follow his traumatic spinal injury and also spinal rehabilitation.

“Never one to sit still, this change in life will hit Ryan and those around him particlarly hard. “As a very active person, if not working as a builder or renovating his and his fiancé Micheala’s home, you’d find Ryan training, playing foot-ball, catching up with mates, planning a wedding or walking his fur babies.

“Ryan is the kind of bloke that would give you the shirt off his back, if he thought it would help you.

“He was always ready to lend a hand if needed and never asked for a thing in return.

“This has truly been heart-breaking for Ryan and his fiancee Micheala and his beautiful family.“

The cost for surgeries, on-going rehab, flights, accommodation in Melbourne and finally getting him set up back home (once this is over), will no doubt be a huge financial burden.

“Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Love Sadkowski and Wiggins families.’’

The outpouring of love prompted the SFL to post-pone last weekend’s games.

“Ryan is a fantastic, enthusiastic young man and a talented footballer.

Ryan is a much-loved and respected member of the Cygnet Foot-ball Club and the SFL, rep-resenting the competition against the NWFL in May, this year.

“The SFL has determined that as a sign of respect to Ryan, his family, the Cygnet Football Club and Ryan’s many friends in the football community that this week-end’s Round 13 matches for seniors, reserves and colts along with the Women’s Division 2 Round 10 fixtures will be postponed.

“The games will be re-scheduled to be played over the weekend of the 30th of July 30 – August 1.

The schedule of these updated fix-tures will be developed in the coming days.

“The SFL encourages all members of the football family to support the Wiggins fam-ily, the Cygnet Football Club and the Lauderdale Football Club at this difficult time.’’

To support Wiggins, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ryan-on-the-road-to-recovery