$6m to help AFL Players Kick Goals with Homeless Young People

31 Oct 2006 - Jason Murnane

This innovative project will construct and operate a home for homeless youth in inner suburban Melbourne. The home will also offer programs designed to bridge gaps in education, life skills and personal development and provide homeless young people with a strong foundation on which to build better life options, improved education opportunities and a future career.

AFL players will be involved in mentoring residents of the house as well as working with them on demonstrating the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The players will also be actively involved in the management and operation of the house, supported by selected service providers with expertise in this area.

The project was driven by AFLPA executive members, Essendon's Mark Bolton and Richmond's Joel Bowden, with the support of Derek Linsell of the AFL Foundation and senior staff at the Victorian Office of Housing, who have been working together for several months leading up to today's announcement.

The Victorian Office of Housing has committed $3m to the project. The AFL Foundation and the AFLPA have jointly committed to raising a further $3m over the next five years through fundraising activities and corporate sponsorship.

The Victorian Minister for Housing, Ms Candy Broad welcomed the initiative and the commitment of AFL players to drive the project.

"We think it is a great partnership. The program will provide AFL players with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the plight of young homeless people, while also helping the players develop a range of management, interpersonal and leadership skills that will help them in their future careers. We are delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project," Ms Broad said.

AFLPA CEO Brendon Gale praised the work of the players involved and said a number of AFL players had pledged their help to support the project.

"I never cease to be amazed by the willingness of many players to give something back to the community. Mark, Joel and others have already been working with Derek Linsell for several months, in going out on a weekly basis to connect with homeless people. That experience was the catalyst for the idea to not only help provide food and shelter for homeless people, but to devise a program to help them find a better future."

The AFL's General Manager, Marketing and Communications and AFL Foundation Board member, Dr Colin McLeod said the all the parties would continue to work together to develop a detailed business and project plan to turn the vision into reality.

"This is a great example of where the players, the AFL through the AFL Foundation, government and business can combine their skills, passion and resources to raise money, awareness and support to address what is a serious community issue," Dr McLeod said.

"The desire of the players to help homeless young people has already drawn great support and as we develop the plans for the home, we think that support will continue to grow."

It is envisaged that over time, opportunities for players to be involved nationally will increase through the establishment of further houses and programs across Australia.

Homelessness Context:

On Census night 2001 there were 20,305 Victorians registered as homeless. Of these, 7064 were aged younger than 25 years of age. Historical averages suggest that nine percent of the overall homeless population "sleep rough" - outside, unhoused - at any point in time.

This means that 630 young people were sleeping rough on Census night. This number roughly equates to the current full AFL Players list of 640.