Understand, Recognise, Respond

As a team, we recently had the opportunity to run a Tackle My Feelings session in collaboration with the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA). This program is of utmost importance as it aims to address the potential mental health challenges that can arise, particularly within the sporting environment where pressure and competition are prevalent. The session was expertly facilitated by Matthew Oswald and proved to be well attended, with enthusiastic participation from the players who engaged actively throughout the event.

During this informative and interactive session, we focused on gaining a deeper understanding of anxiety. We also explored effective ways to identify anxiety not only in ourselves but also in our teammates and peers. Furthermore, we discussed how to respond appropriately when we notice signs of anxiety occurring in ourselves or others and practiced several tools and techniques designed to help manage anxiety effectively. By fostering open dialogue and providing practical strategies, we aimed to empower the participants to better cope with the challenges they may face both on and off the field.