Ladder, a was jointly founded by the AFL Players’ Association and the AFL in 2007 to tackle the issue of youth homelessness. 

Today, by leveraging a natural affiliation with the AFL industry, its players and networks, Ladder provides programs that break the cycle of homelessness for disadvantaged young people aged 16-25. By bringing together one team to tackle the issue of youth homelessness, Ladder integrates the essential opportunities, experience and skills required to live independently, with traditional approaches to providing accommodation and youth support.

Critically, Ladder harnesses the AFL industry’s power for change, to forge partnerships with State and Federal Governments as well as the philanthropic, corporate and industry service provider sectors across Australia.  Ladder’s bold aim is to create a presence in every state where AFL football is played.

Two Ladder sites have already been completed, one in Port Adelaide and Melbourne.

For more information on Ladder, go to http://www.ladder.org.au

The history of Ladder

 

 

Ladder was established by a group of former Australian Football League players, who were originally volunteering with the Salvos.  Shocked at what they witnessed first hand on the streets of Melbourne, they recognized that the AFL, other sporting industries and the private sector, could do more to address this issue.   In establishing Ladder in 2007 the aim was to provide an innovative service for young people experiencing homelessness, while at the same time, tapping in to the resources and networks available through its natural affiliations with the Australian Football League and private sector networks.

Ladder now helps break the cycle of youth homelessness by connecting young people affected by homelessness with their communities, securing their personal health and sense of wellbeing and providing them with pathways to enter the workforce and education system.

AFL industry support

 

Ladder forges partnerships to get the best outcomes for young people at risk of homelessness.  Ladder, with the backing of the AFLPA and the players themselves believes that harnessing the AFL industry's power for change and bringing together government, community, philanthropic and business sectors will provide better opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

We have the bold vision of helping Ladder establish a presence in  every state where AFL football is played.  With the support of the AFLPA, socially minded businesses and AFL supporters we know we can achieve our goal.

 

 

Player engagement

 

Ladder is fortunate to have the support of our dedicated Player Ambassadors.  Their efforts, networks and public profile help us to raise funds, awareness and gather supporters to help tackle youth homelessness

Ladder has a team of skilled and committed current and retired athletes, including AFL players, that dedicate resources and time as mentors and Ambassadors to support Ladder to achieve its goals and to make a difference to the lives of young people affected by homelessness.

The current ambassadors are Andrew McLeod, Jobe Watson, Luke Ball and Matthew Lloyd.