Mt Druitt Lions Baseball Club Sporting Program
One-on-one mentoring for young people in need. We empower youth facing trauma, isolation or risk to build brighter futures through genuine connection, life skills and trusted support.
More Than a Game — A Community Built on Inclusion, Growth & Respect
At Ready 2 Change, we believe one strong connection can change the direction of a life. Our Big Brother / Big Sister Mentoring Support Service is a one-on-one, intensive mentoring program created for young people who are doing it tough. Whether it’s at home, in school, in the community or within themselves.
These are the youth who often go unnoticed and the ones struggling with:
- Mental health challenges
- Low self-worth and identity issues
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Anger, violence, or addiction
- Neglect or family dysfunction
- Peer pressure or social isolation
- Lack of guidance, motivation, or safe adult role models
This service offers more than just a listening ear, it offers hope, direction, and genuine human connection.
Who the Program Is For
This program is ideal for:
- Children, youth, and adults of all ages
- Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- People living with disability or facing exclusion from other sporting programs
- Young people needing positive role models and a safe space
- Families wanting to be part of something meaningful
Why This Program Matters
Many in our community face real barriers and this program tackles them head-on:
- Exclusion – There are many children and young people who do not get the opportunity to play baseball due to their skill level, gender, and disability.
- High Crime Rates: Many young people who live in disadvantaged communities are getting involved in crime and gangs at an early age.
- Negative Mental Health/Well-Being: Too many young people and adults in our community suffer from a negative mental health and wellbeing state.
Our Mission
- Create a safe and fun environment for all local community members to engage in baseball.
- Provide a club that promotes inclusion and has equal access to opportunities to play no matter race, gender, background, or ability.
- Assist kids, young people, and adults, build social skills and create positive relationships.
- Mentor our members to become the best version of themselves by offering mentoring and support.
- Create pathways for professional development and participate at representative levels.
Our Objectives
- Support and guide young people and community members if they are feeling down.
- Increase participation in sport.
- Help reduce crime.
- Increase pathways to employment.
- Reduce alcohol and substance abuse.
- Increase participation in education.
- Increase positive parent participation.
How It Works
The Mt Druitt Lions Baseball Club is supported by trained mentors, volunteers, and Ready 2 Change staff who:
- Run training and games within the Baseball NSW competition
- Offer individual mentoring and referrals to extra support if needed
- Build a culture of encouragement, teamwork, and respect
- Provide leadership opportunities for parents and older players (e.g. coaching, umpiring, scoring)
Program Outcomes
- Increased participation in sport
- Safer community with reduced youth crime and substance misuse
- More confident and motivated young people
- Positive school engagement and behaviour
- Stronger family and parent involvement
- Clearer pathways to employment, education, and professional sport
Who Benefits? Everyone!
- Local youth and families
- Schools and education providers
- Employers and local businesses
- Sponsors and supporters
- The entire Mt Druitt and greater Western Sydney community
