Kicking goals for charity

National youth mental health foundation Headspace and emergency recovery organisation Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) have been named AFL official charity partners.

The organisations join FightMND as part of the League’s corporate social responsibility program for the next three years.

Under the program, the AFL works closely with its chosen charities throughout the year to highlight the positive impact they make in communities across the country.

The AFL's announcement is the latest example of Australia’s sporting codes using their considerable power and reach in the community to help amplify the efforts of for-purpose organisations.

They range from Cricket Australia’s high-profile support for the McGrath Foundation and UNICEF to the NRL's backing of Lifeline and Football Australia’s efforts working with Beyond Blue.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said it was important for the League to align with charity partners who had a shared commitment to the community.

“The AFL is delighted to welcome Headspace and Disaster Relief Australia as official charity partners as we continue to work together to support the broader community,” he said.

“The health of our elite AFL and AFLW competitions is directly related to the health of our grassroots football community.

“Both Headspace and DRA’s commitment to working in and supporting local communities across the country is part of the reason we’re excited to have them on board for the next three years.”

Dillon said addressing mental health challenges was particularly important, and the AFL's announcement came as the Nine Network this week revealed a 24 per cent surge in the number of former AFL players seeking mental health support.

“We know mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing our football communities and have seen the recent devastating impact natural disasters can have on people, both on and off the field.

“We look forward to working with our new charity partners Headspace and DRA, along with our longstanding partner FightMND, and using our collective platforms to promote their integral work.”

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said footy clubs were often the heartbeat of local communities and played a crucial role in connecting young people to those around them.

“We know that staying active and socially connected is vital for good mental health.

“The partnership with the AFL is an important step in supporting young Australians' mental health.”

Disaster Relief Australia CEO Dave Smith said the partnership with the AFL would help DRA increase its support to Australian communities recovering from disaster.

“As the frequency and intensity of disasters increases, partnerships with organisations such as the AFL are essential in our ongoing ability to serve Australian communities with preparedness and recovery,” he said.

Community connection

The AFL charity partnerships were announced as the nation’s top community sporting clubs and volunteers were celebrated at the annual Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s (ADF's) Good Sports Awards.

Part of the ADF Good Sports program, the awards recognise local clubs commitment to creating healthy and safe environments through helping to break the link between alcohol and sport.

ADF CEO Dr. Erin Lalor said the awards were the ultimate recognition of clubs leading the way in tackling issues such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and mental health.

“They celebrate success, highlight the volunteers who are the backbone of community sport, and give winning clubs the recognition they deserve. This year’s winners should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

The program, which has operated for 25 years, has helped reduce risky drinking and alcohol-related harms while increasing club members’ knowledge of and confidence in addressing mental health and illicit drug issues.

“Local sports clubs can sometimes be places where alcohol and drug-related harms occur, but Good Sports proves they can also be a powerful force for positive change, shaping healthier behaviours and stronger communities,” said Lalor.

The ADF report Celebrating 25 Years: A report on the impact of the Good Sports program, published in 2023, highlighted the powerful impacts of the program, including:

• a 42% reduction in alcohol-related harms at participating clubs
• an average eight per cent drop in drink-driving for each season a club is in the program
• a 70% increase in awareness of mental health issues
• less reliance on alcohol sponsorship.
• an average nine per cent increase in club membership numbers and 17 per cent boost in the number of non-players such as volunteers at participating clubs.

New Lambton Football Club (NSW) was named the 2024 Good Sports National Club of the Year for its commitment to fostering a welcoming, family-friendly environment and reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs.

The club also claimed the Good Sports Junior Club of the Year and Good Sports NSW Club of the Year awards, which recognised its leadership in promoting health and wellbeing for players of all ages.

Club secretary Megan Payne said that for more than 10 years the Good Sports program had helped the club build strong policies on alcohol management and mental health awareness and foster a positive space for juniors.

“The program has guided us in enforcing alcohol-free junior events, responsible service at senior games, and educating members on vaping and mental health, ensuring our club remains safe and supportive for all,” she said.

“This recognition is a true honour. Like many community clubs, we rely on a small team of dedicated volunteers, and this award reinforces that our efforts make a real difference,” said Payne.

“We hope this award highlights the positive role clubs play in building healthy, supportive environments that bring communities together.”

More information

Giving charities a sporting chance

Community-focused footballer kicking goals for mental health

Sisters step up for their slice of the sporting pie