Changing Lives One Mate at a Time
With Johnathan Thurston & The JT Academy
All over Australia, there are brilliant and talented young people waiting for an opportunity to be seen. For many, that chance never comes. Simply because they don't have a mate to lead them in the right direction.
That's exactly what the JT Academy is working to change.
Once-in-a-generation talent Johnathan Thurston, who inspired millions in a North Queensland Cowboys jersey, launched the academy with the vision of making an equally meaningful impact off the field.
Their latest initiative, JTMates, has a vision: to bring together businesses and individuals to help create brighter futures for young Australians.
Having been overlooked by many early in his own career because of his size, Johnathan understands better than most what can happen when someone believes in your potential.
He came into his own when playing for the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2002 – an opportunity that led him to the Cowboys, where he became arguably one of the greatest NRL players of all time.
The opportunity he was given changed the course of his life.
Now, through JT Academy, Johnathan is on a mission to ensure more young Australians are given a similar chance to realise their potential.
JTMates is a way the broader community can get involved.
By signing up to the program, members join a community committed to shaping the next generation. Alongside the satisfaction of making a real difference, members receive recognition through the JTMates brand, website acknowledgement, exclusive merchandise, invitations to Academy events and a letter of appreciation from JT.
The program supports the four pillars of the academy – JTBelieve, JTLeadLikeAGirl, JTSucceed, and JTYouGotThis.
JTBelieve is centred around the classroom, helping young people build the confidence to believe in themselves and their abilities. Recognising that many students struggle with self-esteem throughout their education, the program instills the mindset, resilience and practical tools they need to succeed both in the classroom and later in the workforce.
Through a series of inspiring workshops, JTLeadLikeAGirl empowers young women to discover their potential and embrace leadership opportunities. The program encourages participants to back themselves as they navigate systemic barriers, strengthen their teamwork skills and develop the confidence to pursue their goals.
Success can be harder to come by in some regional and remote parts of Australia, where young people often face fewer opportunities than their urban counterparts. JTSucceed is designed to help bridge that gap, preparing participants for employment through practical, work-ready training that creates genuine pathways into the workforce.
Then there's JTYouGotThis. Designed for vulnerable and at-risk young people, the program aims to break the cycle of offending by providing the support, guidance and connections needed to build a brighter future. Through reconnecting participants with their families, delivering weekly workshops and surrounding them with a strong support network, the program helps keep young people out of the criminal justice system.
The Academy now reaches more than 1,700 young people every year, empowering the next generation with the confidence, resilience, courage and leadership qualities that defined Thurston's legendary career. The JTMates initiative is sure to expand their reach even further.
For Johnathan Thurston, one opportunity changed everything. The next life-changing opportunity belongs to another young Australian – all they need is a good set of mates to get them there.
