A JUNIOR rugby league team is using sport to tackle one of the biggest ­issues facing youth.

The Souths Acacia Ridge under-15 boys’ side is a multicultural team which has dealt first hand with youth suicide following the loss of one of their own ­before the 2015 season.

Mental health has become the number one focus of the National Rugby League following the deaths of numerous young players.

Souths team manager Susan Knight said rugby league could be the vehicle for positive mental health and the key to saving many young lives.

“Our community has lost so many young ones, and I felt as a parent I needed to step up and help the boys to keep them on track and to follow their dreams in footy,” Knight said.

“I want to keep them in football, off the street and also away from crime.”

A recent report published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed suicide was the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 in 2012.

Knight said the sport ­already had huge success with the team, which is looking for a sponsor.

“The peer support it brings is great and I have already found that since football has started their behaviour has improved,” Knight said.

“They have come together as a team and many dream of making a career out of the game and playing for someone like the (Brisbane) Broncos.

“We are in need of a sponsor to help keep their dreams alive by helping out with purchasing shirts and with fees.

“With some help the boys can become great leaders of the community.”

Former NRL player Braith Anasta recently put his support behind Suicide Prevention Australia.

The Queensland Rugby League also has two full-time Education and Welfare Officers based in Queensland.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said the NRL ­already had an extensive player welfare program in place, but the organisation was always looking to do more.

“One of our aims is to encourage young players to come forward and talk about their problems,” Mr Greenberg said.

“That means striking the right balance between using players with experience in football clubs and experts who are trained to deal with the type of problems that players confront.

“We also need to put an emphasis on managing the cultural changes that players from different backgrounds face.

“These are tragic cases and we will keep looking for ways to support young players and give them the support they need.”

If you need help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au, 24 hours a day. Young people aged 5-25 can phone Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day.