Here at the TFH Gold Coast Titans, we have completely immersed ourselves in digital communications, completely aware that is a constantly and rapidly evolving landscape which provides the club, players and fans with the ability to share their opinions, feedback and suggestions in real time, at the moment they think them, to a potential global audience.
On face value it's great for everyone! Our commercial partners love it because they can genuinely engage with users who are not only interested in the club, but also potentially their professional services. It's a valuable tool for our players in regard to building brand awareness and followers and connecting with fans away from the training field and game day.
For our fans, it provides real time statistics and snippets of previously exclusive information, photographs and videos, bringing them closer to action than at any time in the sports history.
Cases of cyber bullying and trolling are these days well documented and unfortunately NRL players are not immune from the vitriol and hate messages sent from keyboard warriors and posted across any one of the club or players social media channels.
Sadly, this type of behaviour, from a very small section of the community can have an extremely negative impact on a young players self-esteem, confidence and self-worth, despite in most cases the players, seemingly, brushing the hateful comments aside.
The Gold Coast Titans have been working with outstanding community organisation LIVIN, a health movement which encourages young men and women to speak up when they are struggling with mental health issues and in life generally. LIVIN is all about living your life at the top and breaking the stigma of mental health. Connecting, supporting and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges because "It Ain't Weak to Speak".
It's a cause close to our players hearts. Because as you will see in the supporting video, even your favourite Gold Coast Titans players aren't immune from trolls and cyber bullying.
"LIVIN is such a good cause, with the mental health issues being faced these days, especially with social media the young guys coming through are not as well equipped to be handling things, and that can just shatter the confidence of a young player"
Jarrod Wallace
LIVIN aims to
• Help promote wellness and positive living for young people through awareness and early education programs.
• Encourage young people to be open, engage in conversation and be vulnerable.
• Connect to young people through innovative means.
• Create a movement with a brand that makes mental health relatable and that people can build an enduring relationship with.
Visit LIVIN for more information and please, always think before you send a message or comment on social media.
