TEAMMATES matter.
That’s the message that headspace Swan Hill wants to share ahead of the Central Murray Football Netball League’s Headspace Round this weekend.
Headspace Swan Hill manager Kirsty Jacobs said more than 50 per cent of young people experienced mental health challenges on their own, rather than talking to someone.
She said it was important to share the message to support teammates both on and off the field or court.
“We know how challenging the past few years have been and that we are still recovering,” Jacobs said.
“Football and netball clubs are often the glue that holds regional and rural communities together and they play an important role in the wellbeing of young people.
“Teammates anticipate each other’s next move and are always on the lookout for each other on the field and court.
“We are encouraging that this happens off the field and court, by checking in with mates and continuing to have important conversations about how you are going off the field or court.”
Headspace Swan Hill senior clinician Hayley Neuschafer believed this year’s round would highlight the importance of getting around your teammates.
“We know that football and netball clubs are extremely influential on young people, offering a string sense of community, belonging and normality,” Neuschafer said.
“It takes people like coaches, trainers, supporters and teammates to lift you to success on the field and court.”
One of those people is Woorinen’s senior football coach Marcus Demaria.
“After being a coach for a longer period of time, you see that you are not only just a football coach, but you are also a mentor and there is a welfare side of things that comes into it as well,” Demaria told The Guardian.
“It’s about taking that stigma away and recognising if you do have mental health issues that it is OK to speak to friends and bring it up with them – that’s what we try and promote at our club.”
Mallee Eagles netballer Anna Bowie said having the backing of your teammates and others at her club was something she did not take for granted.
“To know you’ve got a group of people who are looking out for you, not just on game day, is a really nice feeling – I’m so lucky to have that at my club,” she said.
To commemorate the round, special headspace balls will be used for all games across the Central Murray league this weekend.
At the end of each game, the game ball will be awarded to a player for the “heads on” award.
This player will embody the headspace spirit by seeking help from others on the team, making plays to support and help others on the team, and encouraging their team members in the face of difficulties and errors.
Those players identified for the award will not necessarily be the most skilful player, or from the winning team.
Headspace Swan Hill and the Swan Hill District Health counselling department are available to provide free advice and resources if you are worried about a friend or family member. They can also direct you to the various online resources and apps that are freely available.
