For Young people
You’re Not Alone...
We’ve Got Your Back!
Life can be tough sometimes, but you’re not alone. At Read the Play, we’re here to help you take control of your mental health with tips, tools, and programs designed just for you. Whether you’re dealing with stress, feeling overwhelmed, or just want to learn how to support your mates, we’ve got your back.
Why Mental Health Matters:
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Just like you train your body for sport, you need to take care of your mind and emotions to stay strong, focused, and happy.
It Affects Everything
Your mental health impacts how you feel, think, and handle stress, both on and off the field.
It Helps You Support Your Mates
Your mental health impacts how you feel, think, and handle stress, both on and off the field.
It Builds Resilience
Learning how to cope with challenges makes you stronger and more confident.
It Improves Performance
A healthy mind helps you stay focused, motivated, and enjoy sport more.
Remember: It’s okay to not be okay. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
Recognising When You Need Help:
Everyone has ups and downs, but sometimes things can feel overwhelming. It’s important to recognise the signs that you might need extra support – and know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Signs You Might Need Support:
Changes in eating habits, like eating too much or too little
Avoiding friends, family, or activities you normally like.
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious all the time.
Struggling with confidence or feeling like you’re not good enough.
Feeling down or hopeless for more than a few days
Irritability or mood swings that affect your relationships.
Struggling to sleep or sleeping too much.
Lack of energy or motivation, even for things you usually enjoy.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to handle it on your own.
Talking to someone can make a big difference.
Who Can You Talk To?
- A trusted friend, coach, or family member
- Your Player Wellbeing Officer (PWO) at your club
- A teacher, school counsellor, or GP
- A mental health support service (find resources on our Help page)
Take the First Step
It’s okay to not be okay – what’s important is reaching out.
Whether it’s a quick chat with a mate or getting support from a professional, help is always available.
Need support? Visit our Help page for more resources.
How Read the Play Supports You:
Taking Care of Yourself:
Looking after your mental health is just as important as training for your sport. Small daily actions can help you feel your best, manage stress, and stay mentally strong.
Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health:
- Stay Active – Exercise releases feel-good hormones that boost your mood and energy.
- Get Enough Sleep – Aim for 8–10 hours each night to help your mind and body recover.
- Eat Well – A balanced diet fuels your brain and keeps your energy levels steady.
- Talk About It – Share how you’re feeling with a friend, family member, or coach.
- Take Breaks – Rest and switch off from social media when you need to recharge.
- Practice Self-Care – Do things that make you happy, like listening to music, playing sport, or spending time with mates.
- Manage Stress – Try deep breathing, mindfulness, or journaling to stay calm under pressure.
Build a Strong Support Team
You don’t have to do it alone – surround yourself with people who lift you up and support you. Whether it’s your teammates, family, or a trusted adult, having a strong network makes all the difference.
Remember: Looking after your mental health helps you play, live, and feel better.
Looking After Your Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions
About Read the Play
What is Read the Play?
Read the Play is a mental health literacy program designed for young players in sporting clubs. We provide fun, interactive sessions to help you understand mental health, seek support, and support your teammates.
Who is the program for?
Our programs are for young players aged 12–18 across various sports, including football, netball, basketball, hockey, and soccer.
How long does a Read the Play session go for?
Each session runs for about an hour and is delivered at your sporting club by trained facilitators.
Does Read the Play replace professional mental health support?
No. Our programs are about awareness and education. If you need professional help, we encourage you to speak with a trusted adult, Player Wellbeing Officer, GP, or mental health service.
Getting Support
How do I know if I need help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or not like yourself, it might be time to talk to someone. Signs include trouble sleeping, feeling down, withdrawing from friends, or struggling with motivation.
Who can I talk to if I’m struggling?
You can reach out to:
- A trusted friend, coach, or family member
- Your Player Wellbeing Officer (PWO) at your club
- A teacher, school counsellor, or GP
- A mental health support service (visit our Help page for resources)
Is it normal to feel nervous about asking for help?
Yes, and that’s okay! Taking the first step can feel hard, but you’re never alone—there are people ready to listen and support you.
What if I don’t know what’s wrong but still feel bad?
That’s okay! Sometimes, you might feel off without knowing why. Talking to someone—like a trusted friend, coach, or Player Wellbeing Officer (PWO)—can help you figure things out. You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out for support.
Who can I talk to if I’m not comfortable speaking to my parents?
If you’re not ready to talk to your parents, that’s okay. You can speak to a trusted coach, teacher, Player Wellbeing Officer, school counsellor, or a mental health helpline. There are always people who want to listen and help.
What should I do if my friends are struggling?
Let them know you’re there for them and encourage them to talk to someone who can help. You don’t have to fix everything, but being a good listener and offering support can make a huge difference. If you’re worried about their safety, speak to a trusted adult.
What if I feel embarrassed about asking for help?
You’re not alone—many people feel this way. But asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone needs support sometimes, and talking to someone can help you feel better.
How do I know if I need professional help?
If you’re feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed for more than a couple of weeks, or if it’s affecting your daily life, it might be time to talk to a GP, counsellor, or mental health professional. They can give you the right tools and support to help you through it.
Read the Play in My Club
How can my club get involved with Read the Play?
Speak to your club officials or Player Wellbeing Officer, or get in touch with us to see how we can bring Read the Play to your club.
What is a Player Wellbeing Officer (PWO)?
A PWO is a trained club member who supports young players by listening, guiding them to resources, and helping connect them with mental health support when needed.
Can I become a Read the Play Ambassador?
Yes! If you’re passionate about mental health and supporting your teammates, keep an eye out for our Youth Ambassador Program (yRTPA) launching soon!