My name’s Jared, and I’ve just been selected to represent Australia in gridiron, this time for an international game against New Zealand on July 12th. I was lucky enough to wear the green and gold as the Aussie quarterback back in 2015, and now, nearly a decade later, I’m honoured to get another shot.

Like most Aussie gridiron stories, this one comes with a catch… our sport receives little to no funding. Every player on this team covers their own costs from training camp to travel to uniforms to accommodation to insurance… the lot. (I have to say that I’m one of the lucky ones as the camp and game are only a one hour drive away from me)

This campaign will cost me close to $3000 to pull on the jersey again.

I’ve thought about seeking this form of help in the past but never felt quite right doing it. This sport was always something I chose to pursue, and I’ve been fortunate to find a way to make it work. But this time, I’m doing it differently. I want to try, at least, to give something back in the process.

So I’m launching a project called Pass It Forward. For every $200 raised, I’ll give back one hour of free quarterback coaching to aspiring QBs from all walks of the game … juniors, women’s, men’s, flag, and tackle. If we reach the full amount, that’s 15 hours of coaching going straight into the next generation of the sport.

Assuming we raise some funds, I’ll deliver this through a weekly two-hour open quarterback session, free for players of all levels and backgrounds. We’ll focus on core fundamentals including throwing mechanics, footwork, pocket movement, decision-making, and leadership. I’ll also run individual and small group sessions, and offer film review and online breakdowns to reach players who are regional, interstate, or simply can’t attend in person.

Back in 2015 when the team last played, I was completely self-taught. Having a knowledgeable coach finally affirm what I’d been figuring out on my own was a game-changer… not just for my skillset, but for my confidence and belief that I belonged. And I know I’m not alone. So many players in Australia are in the same boat, figuring it out as they go, often without proper support or guidance.

This campaign isn’t just about helping me wear the jersey again it’s about showing up for those players.

If I can be the coach I once needed for someone else, then every dollar raised is already a win.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of and supported my journey in the sport for a long time. And a special thanks for being part of this journey and for backing not just me, but the future of the game.