Newspapers, talkback radio and social media trolls are quick to crucify AFL players when they put a foot wrong off the field. Today’s AFL is part of an era where scandal and catchy click bait headlines seem to rule. But the truth is, scores of AFL players put in plenty of time behind the scenes to help the less fortunate.

Ladder – tackling youth homelessness

Ladder is an independent not-for-profit organisation established in 2007 to help young people aged 16 – 25 break the cycle of homelessness. They give young people the tools to take control of their lives, transition to independence and achieve their potential. Much of Ladder’s wonderful work comes down to the acts AFL players.

Ladder Ambassador

Ladder is the official charity of the AFL Players Association. As a result, AFL players like Jordan Roughead, Mitch Wallis, Jamie Macmillan as well as AFLW players like Karen Paxman and Melissa Hickey, take on the role of Ladder ambassador by acting as mentors, advocates and fundraisers for Ladder.

My Life As… A Ladder Ambassador

In this episode we see a different side to several big name AFL players as they go above and beyond to tackle youth homelessness. We go behind the scenes with them as they find time away from the training track to help some vulnerable members of the community.

By helping young people achieve their life goals, these footballers are doing something far more worthwhile than anything achieved in four quarters of footy.

Additional Information

Episode Length: 6:50 minutes

Sport: Australian Rules Football (AFL)

Producer: Michael Lynch

Executive Producer: Edris Toussaint

Production Company: More Than A Game Productions

Published on June 1, 2017