The Greater Western Sydney Giants Football Club today hosted a special end-of-year celebration for young people in the Ladder Step Up Sydney program.

Ladder NSW Manager, John Woodward said it was a wonderful opportunity for young people to celebrate their achievements and receive Christmas gifts that had generously been donated by the GIANTS. 

The event was also attended by family members, case workers, program partners and representatives from the NSW Government's Department of Communities and Justice.

"For the young people to have their accomplishments recognised in such a way is extremely important and demonstrates that there are people behind them who care about them and are there to help them succeed. You could see how much this meant to them.

"It was made extra special by the GIANTS AFLW players, including their new captain and former Ladder staff member, Alicia Eva who was there to congratulate and distribute gifts to the young people," Mr Woodward said. 

Young people have praised the Ladder Step Up Sydney program.

"[The Ladder program is] mad, I love it. [I] made heaps of new friends and you guys are always there when we need help. You always support us in getting jobs and yeah… it's mad… I love it," Marshall said. 

The GIANTS have supported the program in a number of ways including providing access to its facilities, staff and player volunteering, session facilitation from specialists, community project support and job tasters for young people.

"We sincerely thank the GIANTS for its support of our program and also generously donating thoughtful Christmas gifts to the young people. What a positive note to end the year on," Mr Woodward said. 

The Ladder Step Up Sydney program uses a strength-based coaching approach to support young people in out-of-home care to get motivated, learn important life skills and get job or study ready. The GIANTS have been a community partner of the Ladder Step Up Sydney program since its establishment in 2016. To find out more about the program, click here.