AFL Players’ President Luke Ball has won the Variety Heart of Football Award in recognition of his work with homeless young people.
Ball is an ambassador with Ladder, a not-for-profit organisation, working to assist young people who have experienced homelessness.
Each year Variety – the Children’s Charity acknowledges the off-field humanitarian and charity work undertaken by an AFL footballer.
Congratulations to Luke Ball, winner of the Variety Heart of Football Award for his involvement in Ladder! Thanks Luke! @CollingwoodFC
— Ladder (@Ladder_) September 25, 2013
The award was presented to Ball at the Variety Great Grand Final Luncheon at Crown Palladium on Wednesday.
Ball joins an impressive alumni to receive the Variety Heart of Football Award.
His teammate and former captain Nick Maxwell won it last year. Previous winners include Joel Bowden, Andrew McLeod, Robert Harvey and Xavier Clarke.
Here's a picture of Luke Ball accepting his Award. Thanks @varietyAU for recognising all the work he does does pic.twitter.com/eqrX2j1vTH
— Ladder (@Ladder_) September 25, 2013
“Obviously I’m absolutely honoured to win the Heart of Football Award and would like to thank the wonderful team at Variety for the Award and for the $2,000 prize, which will be donated to my chosen charity, Ladder.”
“Ladder was established in 2007 to tackle the problem of youth homelessness, and it has been a privilege for me to be involved for some time now in this important work.
“It always takes courage for young people to reach their dreams, but when they find themselves without stable accommodation and support, it is so much harder” – Luke Ball.
“It always takes courage for young people to reach their dreams, but when they find themselves without stable accommodation and support, it is so much harder. With the support of AFL players, past and present, to act as mentors, advocates and volunteers, the aim is to not only help young people transition to independent living but to help restore their belief in themselves and give them the confidence to follow their dreams.”
Variety – the Children’s Charity chief executive officer Cary Pedicini said it was wonderful that elite athletes such as Ball were able to use their standing in the community to help the less fortunate.
“We congratulate Luke for his work with Ladder and encourage AFL players and others to embrace the not for profit sector with its range of volunteering opportunities,” he said.
“People who give back to the community are rewarded many times over for their efforts.”
.@CollingwoodFC superstar Luke Ball's jumped on the line after he was awarded the variety heart of football award. #deserving
— Morning Glory (@MorningGlorySEN) September 25, 2013