Former Melbourne Football Club player Guy Walker joins the Ladder team

Guy Walker recently joined Ladder as a Community Partnership Development Coach. In his new role, Guy will work with the Community Partnerships team to facilitate and deliver Ladder Development Programs (LDP's) to young people engaged in Ladder's community partnerships.

Guy played six years of Cricket for the Melbourne Renegades and Cricket Victoria before moving to AFL with the Melbourne Football Club for two years from 2018-19. Unfortunately, due to consistent injuries Guy had to retire from all sports. While playing sport, Guy completed different types of study and work experience and is currently into his last year of a Bachelor of Business degree. 

Through time spent volunteering for different charities, Guy found his passion and a wide variety of skills in helping young people achieve their goals and thrive in life.

"I realised early on I enjoyed having a positive impact on people's lives. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with some amazing charities in the youth space. I am grateful I was able to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment which unfortunately lots of young people don't get, so I think it's important to play a part in these young people's lives where I can," Guy said.  

Guy was fortunate to work at the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) for a year whilst he was playing professional sport. During this time, he worked on "Tackle Your Feelings" which was a mental health pilot program at the time. Guy helped build and nurture the program which today is now recognised all over Australia as a mental health training program for local footy clubs and coaches. 

Through Guy's time working with the AFLPA, he said he was lucky enough to witness the great work that Ladder is doing. He is looking forward to his time at Ladder as Development Coach and making a positive impact on Ladder's community partnerships. 

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity working with such a great organisation that is doing great things in the youth space," he said.

For more information on the Ladder Community Partnership program, please click here.