Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
The Ladder Project Foundation
  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Linkedin
Donate
Menu
  • Who we are
    • What we do
    • Our history
    • AFL industry
    • Meet the team
      • Governance
      • Staff
    • Partners
    • Child Safe Standards
  • How we help
    • Step Up Latrobe Valley
    • Step Up Sydney
    • Step Up Inner Gippsland
    • Step Up Southern NSW
    • Reconnect
    • Community Partnerships
    • Ladder Mentoring
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
    • Refer to us
    • Jobs
    • Corporate partnerships
  • Latest
    • News
    • Stories
      • Young People
      • Alumni
    • Publications
  • Premiership Cup Pins
  • Contact us
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Our founding
  1. Who we are
  2. Our history

Our founding

In 2007, AFL players Mark Bolton, Paul Licuria and Joel Bowden made a decision that would impact the lives of thousands of young people for the better.

They identified a need and had the skills and passion to establish a not-for-profit, youth organisation that would support the countless number of young people experiencing homelessness in Australia. This organisation would go on to be named Ladder.

"What if we could harness the goodwill, influence and power of this unstoppable social and cultural force that is AFL, they thought. Ladder was born."

Luke Ball, former AFL player and AFL Players' Association vice-president.

All three players had been volunteering at soup vans in Melbourne and had witnessed the high numbers of young people accessing services. What stood out to them was the repetition. The same people were coming back, night after night, week after week, year after year.

They asked themselves, what can football do about this?

They made a compelling case to the AFL Players’ Association and the AFL, who came onboard as founding members. Organisations who still hold this position over a decade on.

In Ladder’s first year, the AFL Players’ Association committed $10 from every player’s weekly match payment. This has since risen to $25. Ladder continues to hold the privileged position of being the Official Charity of the AFL Players’ Association and a tier one charity partner of the AFL.

Since inception, hundreds of AFL players, both male and female, have supported the organisation as youth mentors, volunteers and advocates.

“We're doing this because it's the right thing to do.”

Joel Bowden, AFL player and Ladder co-founder

The organisation has evolved during this time, and while physically housing young people is no longer a primary focus, at its core, the vision still stands. Giving young people the skills, opportunities and mentoring they need to build a better future.

And importantly, an organisation that was born from the vision and courage of AFL players, continues to be driven by them.  

Read more

AFL players to lead homeless project

Ladder gives youth a step out of homelessness

Published: 29th May, 2019

Updated: 20th October, 2021

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Ladder 2023 AFL Finals Pin Campaign

    Ladder 2023 AFL Finals Pin Campaign

    Orders to purchase official 2023 replica Premiership Cup pins have now closed.

  • Exciting employment opportunities for our recent Ladder program graduates

    Exciting employment opportunities for our recent Ladder program graduates

    84% of our recent program graduates have entered employment, education or training since completing the Ladder program in Latrobe Valley.

  • Ladder invited to co-host the AFL Record preview

    Ladder invited to co-host the AFL Record preview

    Lacey gained experience in speaking to camera, spoke about how Ladder helped her and promoted the official 2023 Finals pins.

  • Lacey comes full circle from Ladder participant to now Ladder team member

    Lacey comes full circle from Ladder participant to now Ladder team member

    Lacey is excited to share her experience from her time in the Ladder program and to be an example for other program participants.

Most read

  • Ladder Step Up Sydney

    Ladder Step Up Sydney

    The Ladder Step Up Sydney program kick starts the career prospects of young people aged between 15 and 20 years who have had an out-of-home care experience and are connected to the western Sydney region.

  • What we do

    What we do

    We exist to make young people’s lives better.

  • Donate

    Stand with AFL players and donate to their official charity, Ladder and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people experiencing disadvantage.

  • Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley

    Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley

    The Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley program helps young people build on their strengths and explore different jobs and industries.

  • Ladder 2022 AFL Finals Pin Campaign

    Ladder 2022 AFL Finals Pin Campaign

    Support Ladder to improve the lives of young people experiencing disadvantage.

  • Careers

    Careers

  • Ladder Mentoring

    Ladder Mentoring

    Mentoring involves a select group of AFL players, business and community leaders who are supported by Ladder to develop a positive and meaningful relationship with a young person.

  • Our founding

    Our founding

    Over ten years ago, AFL players made a decision that would impact the lives of thousands of young people for the better.

  • Governance

  • Who we are

    Who we are

    AFL players believe that every young person deserves an opportunity to succeed.

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Find us

Registered Office
Gate 3, IKON Park
400 Royal Parade
Carlton North
Victoria, 3054

Postal Address 
PO BOX 84
Abbotsford
VIC 3067

+61 (03) 9416 0064
[email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Linkedin

Ladder is the official charity of the AFL Players’ Association. The AFL is a major supporter of Ladder.

Ladder acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Manage Cookie Preferences