The Western Force is thrilled to announce zero2hero, youth mental health organisation dedicated to equipping young people with the skills to look after their wellbeing, support their peers, and reduce the risk of suicide, as the Club’s charity partner for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season.
The partnership brings together two Western Australian organisations, with a range of initiatives to be introduced to help elevate zero2hero’s cause and message.
zero2hero is a Western Australian not-for-profit focused on prevention and early education, delivering industry-leading youth mental health programs that equip young people with practical skills to understand and manage their mental health.
The Force will assist fund-raising efforts, raise awareness and elevate zero2hero’s cause with a range of initiatives, headlined by the Round 14 charity game against the Queensland Reds where the team will wear red jerseys – matching zero2hero’s brand colour - for the first time ever, providing a powerful statement of support.
Prior to every 2026 Super Rugby game, Force players will warm up in red t-shirts adorned with zero2hero’s messaging, which is another initiative which will draw attention aimed at raising awareness.
The Force has already been working closely with zero2hero with Carlo Tizzano and Michaela Leonard both recently appearing at a Perth Wildcats game in support of the cause.
The partnership will also create a range of engagement opportunities, with representatives from both organisations collaborating on community initiatives, school programs, and events designed to connect with young people across Western Australia.
Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said: “We’re proud to stand beside zero2hero in a partnership grounded in courage, care and the belief that connection can change a life.
"In Western Australia we look after our own. This is about showing up for young people in the moments that matter, wrapping community around them and using the power of rugby to create belonging, resilience and hope.
"We want every young person to know there is a team behind them. And together, we’ll turn the strength of our game into real impact off the field.
"We were really moved by Ashlee’s personal story and we all know mental health issues are becoming more common and talked about, so we’re really happy to play a role in helping this important cause.”
Research shows, 75 per cent of mental health problems emerge before the age of 25 and 80 per cent of young people seek help from friends over adults and professionals, which is why zero2hero focus on early education.
Last year, zero2hero’s mental health programs impacted over 66,000 young people in every region of WA.
Collectively, zero2hero is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Western Australia and preventing suicide in our communities.
zero2hero CEO Ashlee Harrison welcomed the partnership.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, start conversations, and influence communities in a really positive way,” Harrison said.
“To partner with the Western Force is incredibly meaningful for us, because it helps highlight an important truth – that mental health education and prevention play a vital role in supporting young people and communities.
“This partnership allows us to reach more young people, more families, and more communities, which is ultimately how we create long-term change.”
