For many country towns, the footy club is often its hub and the coach a revered member of the community.  Coaches will now play an even bigger role with the launch of the Coach the Coach program on May 9, 2007 in Shepparton, Victoria.

An initiative of local agency FamilyCare, the program was developed to promote good mental health and well-being, especially among its young local men. 

Launched by the Victorian Minister for Mental Health, The Hon. Lisa Neville, footy coaches in the Goulburn Valley Football League will be trained in skills on how to recognise signs of depression in their players, how to approach the players and how to encourage them to seek help.

Also attending the launch was beyondblue Director The Hon. Caroline Hogg, the Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell and representatives from local council, footy teams, community organisations, families and service agencies.

This pilot program will be evaluated by the University of Melbourne's School of Rural Health with funding provided by beyondblue.

For more information go to www.coachthecoach.net.au