The first space is home. The second is school or work. And then there’s the third space. For many young people, the footy club is that third space.

It’s where they turn up week after week, where they learn how to handle winning and losing, and where they watch how adults lead under pressure. It’s where friendships form over seasons, not just moments, and where belonging is built slowly over time.

It’s the teammate who becomes your closest friend. The umpire who takes their first paid role and finds confidence. The coach who gives it a go and discovers purpose. The volunteer who quietly becomes the glue that holds the club together.

What kind of culture are we building inside it?

That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with the AFL through AFL Play to deliver “Mates on the Mark” a Man Cave workshops tailored to local footy clubs, working with players, umpires and leaders.

We’re creating space for conversations that don’t usually happen in change rooms. Conversations about belonging and what it really means to look after your mates and what it means for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s club culture.

This isn’t about lecturing boys.

It’s about strengthening the environments they’re already part of.

Because footy doesn’t just build players.

It builds people.

And if the club is a third space, then it’s one of the most powerful spaces we have to shape the next generation.

Not just on the field. But off it.