Country Football WA is proud to announce an innovative partnership agreement with Tackle Your Feelings. 

This new partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing free mental health education across community football clubs in Western Australia. 

The Tackle Your Feelings program is tailored for community football players, coaches, committee members, umpires and club support staff, and offers free access to invaluable mental health resources. 

Tackle Your Feelings Program Manager, Adam Baldwin is thrilled to be partnering with football. 

 “We’re delighted to extend and expand the reach of Tackle Your Feelings in Western Australia through this partnership,” Mr Baldwin said.  

“Over the past three years we’ve built an understanding of what’s required to have a genuine impact in this state, and the plans we’ve built together with Country Football WA for 2024 have the program primed to support community clubs with their mental health journeys.” 

Delivered by local psychologists, the program provides participants with the essential tools to Understand, Recognise, and Respond to signs of mental ill-health among players. Drawing from best practices within the AFL industry, the initiative is spearheaded by prominent player and coach ambassadors, ensuring its credibility and effectiveness. 

This partnership builds upon the foundation laid by Country Football WA's collaborative efforts with Healthway over the past six years. As part of a comprehensive approach to mental health, this initiative aligns with WA Football strategies, emphasising the crucial pillars of Awareness, Stigma Reduction, and Behavioral Change within the local football community. 

WAFC Executive Manager Country Football, Facilities and Affiliates, Brent Hedley said this partnership not only signifies a step forward in mental health education but also underscores Country Football WA’s ongoing commitment to holistic well-being.  

"Country Football WA, in collaboration with the West Australian Football Commission, is thrilled to extend its partnership with Tackle Your Feelings,” Mr Hedley said.  

“This program is a game-changer for mental health in community football, equipping our WA football communities with the skills to support each other both on and off the field.” 

The program will empower participants, volunteers and community members to positively transform the landscape of mental health within community football.