To tackle youth homelessness in the community, football fans nationally have the chance to purchase a piece of memorabilia from the 2016 Toyota AFL Finals Series while supporting Ladder, an AFL player led charity. 

Proceeds from the sale of the Replica 2016 AFL Premiership Cup Pins go directly to Ladder’s programs.

Ladder CEO Elisabeth Tuckey said Ladder is proud to be the official charity partner of the 2016 Toyota AFL Finals Series.

“Today marks the beginning of a number of finals activities for Ladder and we’re fortunate to have the support of the AFL to help raise awareness of youth homelessness and much needed funds to help young people get back on their feet,” Ms Tuckey said.

“Youth homelessness is at crisis point in Australia with over 44,000 young people homeless across the country on any given night.

"AFL players continue to make a real difference through their work as advocates for Ladder and volunteering their time in a number of capacities, including as mentors for young people who have experienced homelessness.

“This year, Jordan Roughead and Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs), Orazio Fantasia (Essendon), Karen Paxman (Demons), Isaac Smith (Hawthorn) and Shaun Atley (Kangaroos) are all lending their voices to the campaign that calls on footy fans to ‘buy a pin and change a life’.

“By purchasing a Premiership Cup Pin, you'll help change the life of a young person who has experienced homelessness. Pick one up at any of the AFL games throughout the finals or at www.ladder.org.au,” she said.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the Toyota AFL Finals Series allowed for the perfect platform to support Ladder’s programs.

“From its inception, Ladder has been driven by AFL players wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people affected by homelessness,” Mr McLachlan said.

“By buying an AFL Premiership Cup Pin, know you are joining with the AFL industry as we support Ladder as together we tackle youth homelessness,” he said.

Western Bulldogs’ Jordan Roughead is heavily involved with Ladder as a mentor to a young person who has experienced homelessness.

“Youth homelessness is an issue we all need to address," Mr Roughead said.

"Ladder is making a difference to young people's lives and I want young people who have experienced youth homelessness to know they have friends and advocates who care about them.”

Essendon player Orazio Fantasia has also thrown his support behind Ladder as he sees it as a pathway for young people who have experienced hardships.

“When I was first told about the program and the work Ladder is doing I jumped at the opportunity to get involved,” Mr Fantasia said.

"It's important to raise awareness of youth homelessness and send the message to young people that they can achieve anything they want to."

Among the finals activity, Ladder is the AFL’s community partner for the NAB AFL All Stars matches that will see the best under-17 and under-18 players from across Australia compete in the lead up to the 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

A Ladder on-field champion award will be presented to the Under-17 and Under-18 players that best displays Ladder’s principles of discipline, passion and team-first mindset as identified by former Sydney Swans player Michael O’Loughlin and AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.

Ladder is also presenting the Robert Rose Most Courageous Award at the AFL Players Association MVP Awards on Tuesday September 13.

Your support can make a difference. Buy your Replica 2016 AFL Premiership Cup Pin today and get behind the team tackling youth homelessness. 

Pins are available for $5 from all 2016 Toyota AFL Finals Series matches and online from www.ladder.org.au now.

About Ladder

Ladder helps young people in Australia aged 16 to 25 break the cycle of homelessness. Ladder provides young people who have experienced, or are at risk of homelessness the opportunity to take control of their lives by providing them with housing, services and programs aimed at developing their skills, improving their health and wellbeing and ultimately transitioning into independence.

Established in 2007 by a group of AFL players, Ladder is the official charity of the AFL Players’ Association and is supported by the AFL.

AFL players past and present are involved with Ladder as staff, youth mentors, advocates and volunteers to support Ladder’s various programs.

Each AFL Player donates $25 from their match payment every time they step out for a senior game and this is matched by the AFL. Since 2008, AFL Players have collectively donated over $1million to Ladder.

Ladder is the Official Charity of the 2016 Toyota AFL Finals Series and the Official Charity of the AFL Players themselves.