Salvos Hawks footy player Tehan Rahim on how the game turned his life around

IT’S NOT just our most popular and spectacular sport — footy can actually save your life. Salvos Hawks player Tehan Rahim tells how joining the team helped him escape the nightmare of drug addiction to become part of something bigger.

More than 15 years ago, major depression and anxiety led me to drug abuse.

It left me isolated and alone with no confidence or self-worth.

Six years ago, I got clean, but things were pretty raw.

I didn’t have many friends.

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But a lucky introduction to a Salvos Hawks player at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting marked a significant step in my recovery.

The Salvos Hawks is a local AFL team made up of men and women who are mainly recovering from or in remission from active addiction.

Salvos Hawks player Tehan Rahim has turned his life around.

It is funded through the Salvation Army and sponsored by Reclink Australia, Rotary Hawthorn and private donors.

For me, the Salvos Hawks have brought not just connection and a place of belonging, but a commitment to others as well.

I initially focused on my own problems and struggles, but I found that being on the football field with fellow players I was taken outside of myself.

Over time I took on more responsibility with the team by volunteering to coach and support players.

I’ve now got a job working for the Salvos as recreation co-ordinator, managing the program that helped me get back into football.

I also volunteer with another program supporting young recovering addicts.

I have faced many challenges throughout my journey of recovery.

The loss of my mother, the painful breakup of a long-term relationship and the death of my best friend due to addiction.

Throughout these hard times, I have felt supported and loved by the Salvo Hawks.

Having the commitment and place of belonging has inspired me to stay clean and keep on living.

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