headspace and the AFL

We work with the AFL to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people

 

Our work with the AFL commenced in 2020, with the mission of ensuring young footballers learn the skills they need to build mental fitness and manage their own wellbeing. 

In 2025 we were named an official AFL charity partner. Through this partnership, we’ll continue to collaborate on initiatives that promote help-seeking and reduce stigma around mental ill-health, helping more young Australians feel supported and access the help they need. 

 

 

Our work 

To date, we’ve collaborated on a range of projects, including industry resources, national campaigns and fundraising events. 

  • Important resources, including: 
    • Safe Storytelling – a guide for the AFL clubs and industry to communicate sensitively about mental health  
    • Postvention – a guide for AFL clubs impacted by suicide

  • Some headspace centres are delivery partners for the AFL and Movember’s Ahead of the Game program, providing interactive workshops to teams of young players and umpires in community football clubs 

  • headcoach – a national campaign where Australian athletes spoke about how they look after their mental health. 

  • The 2024 Grand Final Eve Lunch, where we were the charity partner and raised important funds for our services. 

 

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“The AFL does so much in promoting help-seeking and reducing the stigma around mental ill-health and through this partnership, we look forward to helping even more young Australians feel supported and access the help they need.”
- Jason Trethowan, headspace CEO
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“headspace and the AFL have a partnership based on our shared commitment to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of all young people playing our game. We are proud to support the vital work headspace do for young Australians.”
- Kate Hall, AFL Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing