The Geelong Cats have officially launched its new partnership with Geelong not-for-profit organisation Karingal St Laurence (KSL).

KSL has a more-than-60-year history in Geelong, and is a successful and progressive community organisation that provides a range of services for those disadvantaged or living with a disability.

KSL also offers support, training and employment services through MatchWorks.

MatchWorks provides services to over 29,000 people per year who are looking for work across Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

The partnership will bring to life ‘Cats Match’, a program designed by Matchworks and the Geelong Cats which focuses on the health and wellbeing of young adults. The program will combine intensive employability training with weekly health and wellbeing sessions. 

The program is aimed specifically at young job seekers from Whittington or the Northern suburbs of Geelong, and will begin in March and run through until June.

Geelong’s Daniel Menzel will take a hands-on role in Cats Match throughout 2017. With a genuine passion for working with young adults, Menzel has coached an under-14s football team for a number of years.

"Cats Match is a great opportunity for the club, and myself personally, to get involved in something that's going to have a positive impact on local young adults that are searching for employment," he said. 

Geelong Cats Chief Executive Brian Cook said the club is looking forward to seeing what the partnership can achieve. 

"At the Cats we are always looking to get involved and give back to the community, we're really excited about our new partnership with Karingal St Laurence," Cook said. 

“We are pleased to welcome such a well-respected organisation into the club’s community development space, and I’m confident Cats Match will achieve great things.”

Karingal Executive General Manager, Employment and Training Services Renae Lowry said MatchWorks had developed a reputation as an innovative provider through programs like Cats Match.

“It’s programs and partnerships like this that sets us apart from other providers, and we are now the second largest provider of Employment Services in the country,” she said.

KSL Chief Executive Officer Mike McKinstry said partnering with the Cats provided an opportunity for the Geelong community to learn more about how both KSL and MatchWorks help disadvantaged people.

“We know about the fantastic work the Cats do in the community, and as our relationship grows with the football club, we hope we can strengthen our message of disability, inclusion and employment,” McKinstry said.

“This is a great example of fulfilling Karingal St Laurence’s vision of building inclusive communities.”

The Cats will also work with KSL to create opportunities for clients and carers to attend games throughout the 2017 AFL season.