Mentoring
Our Mentors
Eddie Betts leads our mentoring program with purpose, humility and a deep commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. He’s not just the face of the program, he’s its heart. Hands-on in every aspect, Eddie takes time to understand each young person’s story, offering guidance grounded in lived experience.
Having overcome his own challenges in elite sport and life, Eddie leads by example, sharing knowledge, building trust and supporting young people to believe in themselves. He supports their decision-making, encourages school attendance and helps them develop the life skills and confidence to thrive.
Alongside Eddie, our program is strengthened by over 25 professionals, many of them Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, who bring experience from across the AFL, NRL, education, psychology, chefs and high performance.
This isn’t just about role modelling – it’s about connection, opportunity and reminding every young person they are strong and capable.
Peer to Peer Support
At the Eddie Betts Foundation, we recognise that strong mental health and wellbeing for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander male youth is closely tied to culture, identity and relationships. Peer-to-peer connection is a vital part of this journey, offering young men a space to feel safe, understood and supported by others who share similar life experiences.
When Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people are connected with one another, they are more likely to speak openly, listen and feel a sense of belonging. These connections help to reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing in a way that is culturally grounded.
Peer networks also play a key role in encouraging early help-seeking and building confidence. Young men often look to one another for support, advice, and strength and these relationships can be a powerful influence in promoting positive decision-making, emotional growth and leadership development.
At the heart of our approach is the belief that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander youth are strong, capable and connected.
“As part of my culture and the way I was raised, passing on knowledge to the younger generation has always been important to me. Throughout my AFL career, I saw how powerful mentoring can be – not just for success in sport, but in life”
– Eddie Betts