The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced a partnership with Movember’s Ahead of the Game program, to deliver it to thousands of community football members over the next three years.

The deal will see the program be available to over 60,000 boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 and will feature interactive mental health literacy workshops, which will teach young athletes how to spot the signs of mental health challenges, how to talk about mental health with their teammates and those around them, and when and where to seek help.

Commenting on the program and partnership, Movember APAC country director, Rachel Carr, said: “Last year, we were able to deliver Movember’s Ahead of the Game to over 1,100 players, coaches, and parents across the footy community, thanks to funds raised through St Kilda’s Spud’s Game.”

“97% of those participants have shown significant improvements in their mental health literacy levels, feeling more confident in their ability to recognise signs of mental ill-health, and knowing where to find help.

“Joining forces with the AFL allows us to scale this program across the entire football community.

“Engaging players and their support networks across various communities ensure they have strategies, skills, and a support network contributing to improved mental health and wellbeing.

“It’s incredibly exciting to think of the impact we can have,” she said.

AFL head of mental health and wellbeing, Dr. Kate Hall, added: “There are over 1 million young Australians who participate in community football and Movember’s Ahead of the Game will now become an everyday part of grassroots footy for the AFL, alongside our other social impact programs.”

“The program has proven to break down the common barriers associated with seeking help for mental health challenges.

“Barriers such as the stigma attached to seeking help, low levels of mental health literacy, and awareness, meaning individuals are able to get the support they need at the earliest stage.

“By teaming up with Movember’s Ahead of the Game, we are harnessing the power of football to build mentally fit young people and communities,” she said.

The announcement comes after the AFL announced the launch of the Toyota Good for Footy program.