Ladder is pleased to announce that Darren Burton and Kris Massie have joined Ladder as mentor co-ordinators.

Darren will be working from Ladder Victoria whilst Kris will join Ladder South Australia's Andrew Crowell.

aflpa.com.au spoke with both Darren and Kris to learn more.

What were you doing before Ladder?

Darren Burton:Working for the Australian Sports Commission as a Regional Coordinator for the Active After-school Communities program which provided physical activity opportunities for school children as well as developing direct links for students to local sporting clubs with in their community.

Kris Massie: Spent eleven years playing with Carlton and the Adelaide Crows. During my final years in football, I came to understand that by using my profile as an elite sportsman I was able to have a positive influence within communities, especially with regard to working with young people.

What drew you to be one of the Ladder team?

DB:The opportunity to be practically involved in the development of a program in its infancy that can make a positive difference for disadvantaged youth in Australia.

KM:My experience and passion for facilitating change in the lives of young people have influenced my decision to become involved in the Ladder Project.

Who did you look up to as a child?

DB: My parents have been great role models and have certainly had a huge influence in directly shaping me in to who I am as an individual today. I never really had heroes as a kid but I used to love and still do watching athletes play their chosen sport examples including but not limited to Curtly Ambrose, Stephen Kernahan and Scottie Pippen.

KM:Growing up I never really had any heroes. However as a Collingwood supporter I did admire Nathan Buckley’s footballing ability. I also had a huge amount of respect for Nelson Mandela due to his willingness to sacrifice himself for his principles. In more recent times I have admired musicians such as Xavier Rudd and John Butler. Not only for the musical talents but also there lyrics.