More Than Just Footy is a high-impact youth development initiative delivering powerful social, cultural, and economic outcomes for young people aged 15–25 across Melbourne. Designed for cohorts disproportionately affected by school disengagement, homelessness, unemployment, disconnection, and substance misuse, the program integrates mentoring, structured sport, cultural safety, and wrap-around supports to drive meaningful and sustained behavioural change.

With more than 70% annual Aboriginal youth engagement post covid, the program is built on inclusion, trust, and community belonging. We work directly with young people who face significant systemic barriers, providing support that is practical, relational, and transformational.

​

Mentoring as the Engine of Behavioural Change

​

Our mentoring model is the core mechanism that shifts behaviour. Delivered by experienced practitioners and community role models, mentoring provides:

• Consistent guidance and accountability

• Behaviour modelling in both structured and unstructured environments

• Emotional regulation strategies and problem-solving skills

• Goal setting, routine building, and future planning

• Cultural support and identity-strengthening for Aboriginal participants

By embedding mentoring into sport, community activities and one-on-one engagement, behavioural improvements become visible, repeatable, and sustainable.

​

Sport as a Platform for Connection, Routine & Identity

​

Through partnership with the Collingwood Football Club Community Foundation, participants join our primary program with the Collingwood Magpies Community Team in the Victorian Reclink Football League — a proven, evidence-based community sport model.

Sport provides:

• Structure and routine

• A sense of belonging and identity

• Increased self-esteem, discipline, and leadership

• Opportunities to learn teamwork, conflict resolution, and communication

• A culturally safe environment where positive behaviours are reinforced

Sport acts as the hook, while mentoring drives the long-term change. We have highly trained coaches and youth specialists within our team.

​

Justice System Prevention & Community Safety

​

The combined influence of mentoring, belonging, and structured engagement significantly reduces the factors that lead young people into the justice system. Positive behaviour pathways are strengthened through:

• Pro-social role modelling

• Reduced idle time and exposure to risk

• Strong peer and mentor networks

• Improved decision-making

• Increased connection to community and culture

Every young person diverted from offending represents major community savings — both social and financial. It costs the community approximately $7775 per day for 1 young person to remain in custody.

 

Economic Impact & Cost Savings

​

Independent analysis of similar models confirms exceptional return on investment, generating at least:

$8.94 in social value for every $1 invested.

These savings are derived from:

• Reduced justice system involvement

• Improved employment pathways

• Increased community participation

• Reduced reliance on crisis services

• Health improvements and fewer acute interventions

Given the high complexity of our cohort and the depth of our mentoring and support model, More Than Just Footy delivers impact that exceeds these benchmarks.

 

Health & Wellbeing Improvements

​

Participants experience measurable improvements in:

• Physical health through high-intensity sport

• Mental health, emotional regulation, and resilience

• Nutrition and lifestyle habits

• Reduced substance misuse

• Access to mental health, housing and AOD support

• Social and cultural wellbeing

Our integrated approach ensures that physical activity is paired with practical supports that address the underlying challenges affecting long-term stability.

 

Social Capital & Community Connection

​

The program builds strong social capital by creating a safe, inclusive community where participants feel part of something bigger than themselves. It fosters:

• Belonging and connection

• Links to prosocial 

• Trust and supportive relationships

• Leadership development

• Positive peer networks

• Pathways into local Football Clubs

• Exposure to community role models

• Camps

• Access to services, opportunities, and pathways

These social gains strengthen individual outcomes and contribute to stronger, safer communities.

 

In Summary:

​

More Than Just Footy delivers high-impact, evidence-aligned youth outcomes through an integrated model of mentoring, sport, community connection, and culturally informed support. The result is reduced justice-system involvement, improved wellbeing, stronger cultural identity, and significant economic benefit to the wider community.

​

This is more than a program — it is a movement for generational change strentching back to 2008, built on collaboration, cultural safety, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.

​