Mental health

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Supporting the grassroots game

Supporting your mental health and wellbeing in football

Football is not only a great way to keep physically fit but also plays an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing by providing regular social interactions and a break from the potential other stresses and worries that you may be facing.

During the last year many people have faced struggles with mental health due to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.  Football was also impacted through the uncertainty of matches going ahead, restrictions in our activities and behaviours, and competitions cancelled.  Our involvement in football, whether this is as a player, volunteer or official, gives us a release from daily life and struggles.   The last year has shown us how important football is to many people and their mental health.  

Football, and other physical activities, is a great tool to promote positive health and wellbeing.  There are many physical benefits to being active but there are also many mental health benefits as well. 

We’ve taken this opportunity to develop partnerships with Mental Health and Wellbeing organisations to provide information, guidance, and support to our grassroots family.  

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact that the pandemic has had on people within football and I’m really passionate about using football as a tool to help people.  We often don’t see the signals of poor mental health or know how to help people when we do, so I’m pleased that we have some fantastic organisations on board who are experts in this field and provide the right guidance and support”  
Leon Dearns, Adult Football Development Officer. 

We’ve developed a brand-new area of our website dedicated to supporting mental health across the grassroots game.  You can play your part as well by visiting our page, developing your own knowledge and signposting other people to the resources available.  

We are also keen to develop Mental Health Champions across our club and league networks to help share the positive messages and guidance available.  

If you'd like to find out more about how we can support you or your organisation please contact Leon Dearns on 07704 170925

Mental health & wellbeing page