Sam Kerr Football partners with youth mental health foundation LifeChanger
Press Release / 25 January 2024
Sam Kerr Football proudly announces a significant partnership with LifeChanger, the official mental wellbeing programming partner for Sam Kerr Football. This collaboration brings together two like-minded organisation who are both committed to helping young people develop social, emotional, and resilience skills, as well as fostering environments where young people can thrive.
The LifeChanger Foundation, founded in 2016 by ex-AFL player and coach Scott Watters, was established to make a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of Australia’s teens. Beginning with their inaugural program in 2017 for 33 fifteen-year-olds, their reach in Australia and New Zealand has since expanded to over 70,000 young people in 2023 alone.
Through meaningful and transformative self-reflective learning sessions, LifeChanger arm young people with tools to help them manage their social and emotional wellbeing, and give them knowledge to thrive through the challenges of life – something we know is critical for sportspeople at all levels.
From day one, the LifeChanger programs have had a significant impact, with 89% of participants demonstrating an increase in mindset and resilience, and 85% showing an increase in hope.
The LifeChanger programming is a fundamental part of the Sam Kerr Football syllabus, allowing the two organisations to collectively improve the lives of thousands of kids. LifeChanger will deliver mental wellbeing sessions for players, giving them access to vital tools to help them manage their wellbeing holistically as they develop as players, tools that also translate to life off the pitch. Year-round accessibility to online content will serve as a continuous reminder of the significance of good mental health, as we know when you feel your best, you play your best.
As part of the partnership, LifeChanger will also deliver tailored wellbeing content for parents, Sam Kerr Football owners and coaches. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the overall wellbeing of the Sam Kerr Football community, fostering an environment where mental wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing.
The core values of Sam Kerr Football align seamlessly with those of LifeChanger, emphasising the importance of bravery and courage in speaking up, as well as the inclusivity and compassion required for positive change.
"Our partnership with LifeChanger marks a significant step in re-shaping the narrative around pre-emptive mental wellbeing in sport and giving kids tools and experiences that set them up for the challenges of the competitive environment, and more broadly, life.
This collaboration is particularly exciting as it provides the wider Sam Kerr Football community access to the support and tools necessary for addressing mental health challenges. Our partnership with LifeChanger and the availability of their unique tools to our community, will allow us to positively shift the statistics around youth mental health, one young person at a time. If we can positively influence one young person's life, our partnership is a success." Jonah Vraca, Sam Kerr Football Marketing Manager.
“LifeChanger is excited to be partnering with Sam Kerr Football and connecting with the young participants, parents and coaches within this amazing community. SKF’s community values and genuine desire to connect and positively impact young people’s health enables LifeChanger to expand its reach and support thousands of young people, building their social, emotional and resilience skills, empowering them with the courage to thrive.” said Scott Watters, LifeChanger Founder.
LifeChanger programming will roll out in early 2024.
To register your interest to own a Sam Kerr Football School, as a player, coach, or partner, or to find out more about Sam Kerr Football, visit www.samkerrfootball.com.
To find more about LifeChanger, head to their website www.lifechanger.org.au or @lifechangerfoundation.
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