From Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August, football and netball clubs across the Bellarine, Geelong, Geelong and District, and Colac and District Football Netball Leagues will come together to take part in Read the Play Round—a powerful weekend dedicated to raising awareness about youth mental health and building supportive club environments.
More than 50 clubs will participate in this annual initiative, recognising the vital role community sport plays in supporting the mental wellbeing of young people.
Each 15/U netball and U16 football match will highlight the values of Respect, Courage, and Teamwork, with a Read the Play MVP awarded to the player who best demonstrates these qualities. MVPs will be honoured with a special medallion and game ball following each game.
Read the Play Round is proudly supported by partners Hamlan Homes and Beyond Bank, whose commitment to youth mental health is helping to drive positive cultural change across local clubs and communities.
Photo (l-r): Josh Liston (Hamlan Homes), Mark O’Connor (Geelong Cats), Madison Browne (RTP Patron), Claudia Gunjaca (Geelong Cats) & Cameron Murnane (Beyond Bank)
Mental Health Round Game
Tackle Your Feelings, Read the Play and Leisure Networks are coming together to help support the mental health of the football and netball communities in the Geelong, Barwon and Surf Coast regions.
The organisations will be holding a special mental-health themed event at the Geelong and District Football Netball League clash between Winchelsea and Thomson at Eastern Reserve (Winchelsea) on Saturday August 9 starting at 12.30pm.
The luncheon will include a panel discussion with Geelong footballers Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie, as well as some other activations and prize giveaways.
For those looking to support or requiring further information, please get in contact with TYF’s Ben Guthrie (ben@tackleyourfeelings.org.au) or Read the Play’s Michelle Gerdtz (info@readtheplay.org.au).
Hope to see as many people supporting mental health on the day as we can.
Did you know…
- Over 75% of mental health problems emerge before the age of 25 years old
- 1 in 7 young people aged 4 to 17 years experience a mental health condition in any given year.
- Young people are less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.