Some issues seem so insurmountable that it appears too difficult to even begin to know where to start to take them on.

With around 100,000 Australian's 'sleeping rough' every night (enough to fill the 'G), homelessness, for some, is certainly one of these issues. 

And the stats aren't pretty.  According to statistics from the 2001 Australian Bureau of Statistics census:

• 10% of homeless people are under the age of 12 years
• 36% or homeless people are young people between 12 and 24 years

But not doing anything about a problem because it appears to be too large to tackle, is a poor argument. 

Created to help tackle the issue of youth homelessness, Ladder is a joint initiative between the AFL Players' Association and the AFL Foundation.

By harnessing the collective power and goodwill of the football industry, Ladder offers young people with histories of homelessness integrated accommodation, support and other opportunities to make a lasting impact on their lives.

Ladder is partnering with experts in the field and involves AFL players and other elite male and female athletes in an integrated mentoring program, ensuring the young people involved in the program are provided with the best possible support and skills.

Ladder's site in inner Melbourne (Collingwood) is already operational with a number of young people well on their way towards building the skills to a brighter future.

With another Ladder site currently under renovation in Port Adelaide, Ladder has the bold vision to have a presence in every state where Australian Rules Football is played.

For more information on Ladder, click on the link below.