Clubs to rally behind youth mental health

YOUNG football and netball players across the region will lace up their boots and step onto the court this weekend to champion youth mental health and show support for their teammates.

From today (Friday, August 1) to Sunday, August 3, Under 15 netball and Under 16 football players from more than 50 local clubs across the Bellarine, Geelong, Geelong and District and Colac and District football and netball leagues will take part in the annual Read The Play Round.

The round, an initiative of mental health service Read The Play, promotes the values of respect, courage and teamwork with the aim of raising awareness about youth mental health and highlighting the vital role community sport plays in supporting the mental wellbeing of young people.

One in seven young people aged between four and 17 years – the equivalent of 560,000 Australian children – experience a mental health condition in any given year. Despite this, young people are less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.

“This weekend is about showing young people that their mental health matters – and that their club has their back,” Read The Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz said.

“When clubs champion open conversations, empathy and respect, they create spaces where young people feel seen, supported and connected,” she said.

“We’re proud of how deeply our clubs have embraced this initiative.

“It’s a grassroots movement that’s creating meaningful impact – one game, one conversation, one young person at a time.”

Read The Play delivers free, evidence-based mental health literacy programs directly into local sports clubs, helping young people aged 12-18 years build the skills and confidence to navigate mental health challenges, seek help and support their teammates.

The Read The Play Round is supported by partners Hamlan Homes and Beyond Bank.