'Made me a better coach': Support Squad award winner Raithby honoured
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Once at a loss for how to help a mate struggling with his mental health, Jonny Raithby is now the go-to Support Squad volunteer everyone at Mudgeeraba Redbacks can rely on.
The club's 2024 coaching coordinator and under 14s coach said he was "really pleased" being recognised as the Support Squad Person of the Year for the Queensland Rugby League South East region for his efforts supporting players at coaches at his club of 15 years.
Other than the odd dinnertime conversation with his partner and biggest supporter Sally Raithby - a qualified psychologist - Raithby had never considered participating in mental health support training until he learned of Support Squad soon after hearing of his mate's challenges left him in 'a panic'.
"I had a mate who was struggling and I didn't know what to do and literally the week after I saw an advert for Support Squad, as if it was a sign," he said.
"It's kicked off an interest in mental health and I've transferred that into the club, speaking to teenagers - predominantly boys as we only have one girls team - and I have two boys myself, so I found it easy to do.
"Speaking to the kids, I can relate to a few issues I've had myself with anxiety as a teen and I think I put it across well to the boys, and they look up to me.
"I'm a coach as well, and I've got coaches coming to me - we've had some issues with social media and bullying and a few other bits and pieces - and I just address the kids and talk to them, but I like to talk to them on their level. Because they know me, you develop trust.
"If I'm walking around the field one of the kids might just want to have a chat and I'll go for a walk with them. Sometimes kids are nervous about approaching you, when you're doing mental health first aid... you don't want to stand it out you're having a big lecture with someone. You've got to be very careful how and where you're addressing kids.
"I actually think being in Support Squad has made me a better coach."
Following his initial Support Squad training course, equipping him with critical mental health first aid training, Raithby went on to complete the Wellbeing Champion course piloted this year to take his knowledge to the next level.
He said he had also benefitted from the mentorship of "good pal" Adam Flier, who won the corresponding award in 2023 and was highlighted again in the 2024 QRL Community Volunteer Awards as Westpac Wellbeing Ambassador.
I think it has opened a few doors in footy to meet other people and the more stories you hear, I just think it's well needed in the game and society itself
Jonny Raithby
One thing he has learned is that Support Squad volunteers simply have a genuine care for others, and like himself, have not come from a clinical mental health or social work background - getting their start from Support Squad education - and encouraged more people to register their interest.
Raithby was one of three Support Squad volunteers honoured at the 2024 QRL South East Support Squad Awards at Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club on October 11.
Game Changer of the Year - Elias Tahan
Tahan introduced an Emotional Intelligence and Coaching program at his club West Arana Hills to ensure every coach had the awareness to be able to help their players be mentally strong, in addition to his efforts ensuring all parents had an awareness of Support Squad and the tools available.
Rookie of the Year - Callum Sheridan
Sheridan is a dedicated Support Squad volunteer at Greenbank Raiders who has gone above and beyond to build a reputation and help people understand what the Support Squad is all about, and helped the club bring on three more Support Squad volunteers during the year.
QRL will soon be providing opportunities for more people to participate in Support Squad training and education leading into the 2025 season.
Main image: Callum Sheridan, Jonny Raithby, incoming QRL chairman Brian Canavan and Elias Tahan at the QRL South East Support Squad Awards.
