A few decades ago, on the streets of St Kilda in Melbourne, a young man popped up with an alternative to what was being offered to those seeking solace from the ‘dark side’. 

That young man was Peter Cullen AM – the Founder of Reclink, and the alternative he offered – to addiction of any kind – was playing community sport.

Specifically, kicking an Aussie Rules football around.

“…for all its popularity, cultural significance and media coverage, the most impactful role of footy is largely hidden from view. This role is Reclink footy – footy for people experiencing social disadvantage,” Peter said.

Decades after Cullen first began using a footy game for better mental health, better mental health, and greater social inclusion, Reclink has changed lives around the country.  

The Power of a Football is a riveting collection of over 30 personal stories from all walks of life in the 30 years of Reclink footy. 

The big names, the unsung heroes and everyone in between – from the early days of its grassroots in St Kilda, to the football league it is today around the country. 

Throughout these stories are the recurrent themes of hope, passion, inspiration, confidence and the transformative nature of connection and purpose which AFL football provides. 

From players graciously sharing their deeply personal stories – such as Raeles, the oldest player involved in Reclink, who credits Reclink with changing her life – to the stories of the passionate volunteers such as Laura. Laura was a year 12 student who found herself unexpectedly upgraded from helping to coaching the team, despite being younger than most of her players. 

Read musician Tim Rogers story on his lifelong love of footy and how stepping on stage doesn’t compare to the fear before he plays in the Reclink Community Cup, and rediscover respected journalist Martin Flanagan’s Brave Hearts (first published in The Age)– the compelling story of a game he attended 20 years ago, one which he still considers one of the most memorable AFL games he’s ever seen. 

The Power of a Football is an uplifting and important book which reminds us of all that something as simple as a football holds the power to change lives. 

THE POWER OF A FOOTBALL 

How Football Saves Lives  

A collection of stories about Reclink’s impact on lives

WestWords Books, $39.95 | Order at reclink.org/book

70% of profits from the sale of the book go direct to Reclink Australia 

“…full of stories of redemption, hope, pushing doors open for people and bringing out the very finest qualities of our communities. Put them together and they are a force for good. I see in them the very best of us. As you read the stories in this book, I’m confident you’ll see the same.” – The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia