Netball Queensland Partners with ‘Tackle Your Feelings’ for Mental Health Education

Netball Queensland has announced a partnership to roll out the Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) mental health literacy program across the state.

The initiative, marks a significant cross-code collaboration, as the program was originally developed by the AFL Coaches Association and AFL Players’ Association in partnership with Zurich Insurance.

The program is designed to equip coaches, committee members, and umpires with the skills to recognise and respond to signs of mental ill-health, fostering a more supportive environment within community sport.

Praising the program’s accessibility, Netball Queensland COO, Glenn Dennis, said: “The program is practical, concise and easy to digest for athletes and staff alike and we really believe it will have impact from inception.”

Noting how netball’s deep roots in Queensland make it an ideal platform for the program, Tackle Your Feelings’ head of community impact, Dan Mahony, added: “Together, we can help players, coaches, and volunteers build the confidence to look after themselves and the people around them.” 

Targeted Reach and Rollout Strategy

Netball Queensland has committed to hosting 30 in-person workshops annually, with a goal of reaching at least 600 participants each year.

The rollout will prioritise high-performance pathways before expanding to the wider grassroots community:

• Phase 1 (Completed): Netball Queensland internal staff underwent training at Nissan Arena in February.
• Phase 2: Integration into the HART Premier Netball League, Firebirds Futures, and state team programs.
• Phase 3: Availability for community associations and clubs via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, targeting both metropolitan and regional “early adopters.”

Breaking the Stigma through Collaboration

Netball Queensland and TYF will collaborate on co-branded digital content and case studies to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conversations.

This digital push aims to ensure that volunteers and players at every level, from the Under 16s to the elite, have access to resources that promote mental resilience.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.