TAYLA HARRIS, NIKE AND LIFECHANGER BRING YOUTH MENTAL FITNESS TO GRASSROOTS AFL IN QUEENSLAND
July 08, 2026
FIRST STAND TOGETHER MENTAL FITNESS ROUND TO LAUNCH AT COOLANGATTA FC, USING COMMUNITY SPORT TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD CONNECTION, RESILIENCE AND SUPPORT
LifeChanger Foundation has joined forces with AFLW pioneer Tayla Harris and Nike to launch a new Queensland-wide series of Stand Together Mental Fitness Rounds, beginning at Coolangatta Football Club on Saturday 27 June at Eximm Oval, Coolangatta.
The grassroots AFL event marks the official launch of the Stand Together Program, a new partnership designed to embed preventative mental health strategies, resilience, identity and self-worth education into local sporting communities across Queensland.
Bringing together players, families, supporters and high-profile sporting ambassadors, the Coolangatta round will use the power of community sport to encourage young people - particularly young men - to check in on their mates, strengthen social connection and build practical tools for mental fitness on and off the field.
Alongside Tayla Harris, LifeChanger ambassadors attending on the day will include Trevor Hendy, Scott Watters, Pearce Hanley and Shane Crawford.
The launch comes as youth mental health remains a critical national issue. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-24, while recent research shows around one third of young Australians have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Young Australians are also reporting increasing levels of loneliness, isolation and psychological distress.
Despite this, many young Australians still do not seek professional support, with stigma, cost and accessibility remaining major barriers.
Building on LifeChanger Foundation’s work supporting 141,000 young Australians across Australia and New Zealand schools in the past year, the Stand Together Program extends its preventative mental health programs into community sporting environments.
Scott Watters, CEO and Founder of LifeChanger Foundation, said grassroots clubs are uniquely placed to create meaningful support systems for young people.
“Community sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, but this partnership is about taking that connection a step further,” said Watters.
“By embedding mental fitness conversations and practical tools into local football environments, we can help create safer, more connected communities where young people feel empowered to check in on their mates and seek support early.”
Tayla Harris, an ambassador for both Nike and LifeChanger, said local clubs can play an important role in helping young people feel supported beyond the game.
“Local football clubs are where friendships, confidence and support networks are built,” said Harris, who began her football career at Aspley Football Club in Queensland.
“Programs like this help create environments where young people feel connected, supported and more confident having conversations about mental health and wellbeing.”
[Nike spokesperson] said the partnership reflects Nike’s commitment to supporting athletes holistically, recognising mental wellbeing as an important part of performance, confidence and participation in sport.
“As a brand committed to supporting athletes both on and off the field, Nike is proud to support initiatives that help young people build strong foundations through connection, resilience and early intervention,” said [Nike spokesperson].
“The Stand Together Round creates a safe and inclusive space where communities can come together and encourage more open conversations around mental fitness.”
As part of the broader Stand Together Program, participating clubs will receive workshops and mentoring sessions for over 500 junior and senior players throughout the year focused on resilience, identity, self-worth and practical mental fitness strategies for young people aged 12 to 30. Delivered by LifeChanger facilitators alongside Tayla Harris, the initiative will also support coaches, senior players and club staff to build positive team cultures and strengthen player wellbeing.
The Coolangatta launch event will feature women’s, reserves, seniors and ambassadors football matches from 10.00am, alongside family-friendly entertainment including a scavenger hunt, giveaways, LifeChanger ambassador appearances and a half-time challenge with prizes to be won.
The community is encouraged to bring a mate, wear club colours and take part in a united grassroots effort to support youth mental fitness.
Event details
What: Stand Together Mental Fitness Round
When: Saturday 27 June, from 10.00am
Where: Eximm Oval, Coolangatta Football Club
Who: LifeChanger Foundation, Tayla Harris, Nike, Coolangatta FC and LifeChanger sporting ambassadors
Media opportunities: Interviews, vision and photography with Tayla Harris, Scott Watters, participating players, families and ambassadors
The Round will conclude with a post-match community celebration and ambassador panel discussion featuring Tayla Harris, Scott Watters, Trevor Hendy, Shane Crawford and Pearce Hanley.
For more information about LifeChanger or to get involved, visit: www.lifechanger.org.au
2 https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/australia-s-young-people-are-getting-lonelier
