For the second year running, AFL Queensland has partnered with the Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) program to make mental health training available to community coaches in 2022.
Tackle Your Feelings is a free mental health training program for community AFL coaches, as well as committee members and other club support staff.
The program is delivered by a local psychologist and aims to help participants gain the tools to Understand, Recognise and Respond to signs of mental ill-health in their players.
In 2021, Tackle Your Feelings was delivered to more than 4000 community coaches from 352 clubs across every Australian state and territory; 22 of those clubs were in Queensland.
More about the program
Alastair Clarkson, Nathan Buckley, Simon Goodwin, Bec Goddard and Leon Cameron, as well as AFL player ambassadors, are leading the program.
The program is based on the program delivered to professional AFL coaches and players.
Tackle Your Feelings is a community initiative by the AFL Players’ Association, AFL Coaches Association and Zurich Insurance, and powered by the Zurich Foundation.
The program was formed in 2018 when the founding bodies came together after the tragic death of Phil Walsh three years earlier.
How your club can get involved
Tackle Your Feelings is a free program and is available to your club in 2022.
Coach and Education Lead – Queensland, Jack Barry, said AFL Queensland would facilitate Tackle Your Feelings sessions during the 2022 community football season.
“We’re calling on all of our community clubs to get involved in this fantastic program,” he said.
“Once coaches complete the training (90-min face-to-face workshop and online modules) they will have access to resources including blogs, podcasts and videos to assist with their ongoing learning.
“Participating clubs are eligible for the Tackle Your Feelings rewards program, which includes footballs, equipment and access to program ambassadors.
“I believe the club leaders including the committee and coaches who participate in this program and have a strong influence over the players and volunteers will gain a great skillset that will enhance relationships and retention which is vital to community clubs.”
To get involved in the program, register your interest or find out more, please email Jack Barry: Jack.Barry@afl.com.au
