AFL Barwon and Read the Play formalise community partnership

We are thrilled to announce that Read the Play (RTP) has formally signed on as a community partner of AFL Barwon until 2025, marking 2023 the 17th year of our partnership.

Over the years, our partnership has allowed RTP to positively impact the community through our shared values of promoting mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the sporting arena. We believe that sport plays a vital role in fostering social connections, building resilience, and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Mental health is a team sport which is where sporting clubs provide a wonderful opportunity to support club members.

To celebrate this milestone partnership, RTP is excited to launch a new initiative for 2023, called #rtpsolemates. As part of this initiative, RTP will be selling special edition socks for community football and netball games, with the aim of selling 5000 pairs amongst the AFL Barwon clubs. The proceeds from the sale of these socks will go towards supporting mental health programs within the local community.

We are confident that this initiative will not only promote positive mental health outcomes but also bring the community together in support of a great cause. We encourage all AFL Barwon clubs to get involved and help us reach our target of selling 5000 pairs of #rtpsolemates socks.

Read the Play and AFL Barwon will also be recognizing clubs that make mental health a priority with the newly created Mental Health Club of the Year Award. This prestigious award will be presented at the end-of-season Community Awards event and will honour clubs that demonstrate a commitment to mental health initiatives. To be eligible for the award, clubs must be actively involved in programs that support the health and wellbeing of club members.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Read the Play to continue to make a positive impact on the community through our shared values and initiatives.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson was quoted,

“AFL Barwon is extremely proud to share a long-term community partnership with Read the Play and the extension of this partnership, expands this valued partnership further”.

“The impact of Read the Play programs within AFL Barwon Clubs and the wider region are significant and align with our values, in providing our football and netball Clubs, as community hubs where those within their formative years, can grow and develop with support, as people”.

Read the Play Chair, Sarah Albon was quoted,

“AFL Barwon is one of our founding partners. Over the past 17 years we have worked hand in hand to deliver important mental health literacy programs to thousands of junior footballers and netballers”

“We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to growing our program to enable more young people to seek support for their mental health”.

To purchase your socks for the #rtpsolemates fundraiser, simply go to www.rtpsolemates.com.au