Coutas prioritise wellbeing with Resilience Project visit

QUEENSCLIFF Football Netball Club has continued to offer its players opportunities to learn more about their mental health and wellbeing, with a visit from The Resilience Project’s Martin Heppell at training on Thursday last week.

The senior players, under-18s and under-16s listened to the fast-paced, hard hitting and humorous presentation that offered positive mental health strategies.

The Resilience Project runs education sessions with a focus on key pillars proven to cultivate positive emotion: gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, along with emotional literacy, connection and physical health.

“The more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be,” the project states on its website.

Queenscliff FNC president Ali Waight explained why the club was so keen to lock in the unique opportunity to hear Heppell speak.

“We are really focused at the Coutas on building a strong club culture that values connection, respect and the wellbeing of our players and members,” she said.

“Bringing in Martin was a natural fit for us — his message about gratitude, empathy and mindfulness really aligns with what we’re trying to instill at the Coutas, both on and off the field.

“The boys loved the session. There was plenty of laughter, some raw and honest moments, and most importantly, a real sense of connection — not just within their own teams, but across the U16s, U18s and Seniors. That’s what we’re about: one club. Martin helped bring that to life.”

The Resilience Project has been used by many schools and AFL clubs, with Heppell noting Richmond triple-premiership star Dustin Martin diligently practiced gratitude.

The Coutas also had former Melbourne player David Schwarz speak to the players in recent months about the dangers of gambling and addiction in general.