UK Football supports Prince William’s Mental Health Initiative
July 31, 2020
A host of governing bodies, leagues and other organisations across British football have signed up to a new mental health and wellbeing declaration, which commits to making mental health a key priority of the game.
The “Mentally Healthy Football Declaration” seeks to create a lasting legacy for the ‘Heads Up’ campaign, set up by Prince William of the British Royal Family in 2019 and supported by the football community. The new declaration seeks to ‘scale up’ those efforts, and support the developments of ‘mentally healthy’ clubs at every level of the game.
“The Heads Up campaign was a step in the collective journey to end the silence and change the attitudes and behaviours towards mental health," said Mark Bullingham. CEO, The FA. "The declaration will see football unite to deliver a long-lasting legacy for the campaign. Working together we will continue the progress made to build a culture in the men’s and women’s game that truly supports, listens and signposts."
The landmark declaration has been signed by CEOs and chairs from across football, including The Football Associations (FAs) of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Barclays FA Women’s Super League, as well as other organisations across the game, such as the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the League Managers Association (LMA) and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Through the declaration convened by The Royal Foundation, organisations have committed to pioneer a “team approach” to raise awareness of mental health issues and to create an environment where players, staff, managers and officials are encouraged to look after their mental health just as they look after their physical health; feel able to spot the signs that they, a team-mate or colleague might be struggling and know where to access support; and feel empowered to speak out about mental health.
"There are so many more distractions and obstacles now that can affect players from a very young age. That's why what is being created here is so important", said former Manchester United star and Beyond Sport Ambassador David Beckham in a video call with Prince William and others in the sport. "It's okay to not be okay, and back in the day it wasn't.
Godric Smith, Chair, The Heads Up campaign, said: “There has been fantastic leadership from every part of football on mental health this season and today’s declaration cements the huge culture change underway in the game. It is a first of its kind and an important moment for sport and society more widely. It comes at a time when prioritising our mental health and supporting each other has never mattered more."
1st August’s ‘The Heads Up FA Cup Final’ is dedicated to the issue of mental health, which is expected to be one of the ongoing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Sport is proud to be a Founding Member of the Stay in the Game Network, a collaboration of sport, healthcare and social change organizations using sport as a platform and catalyst to end stigmas and promote mental wellness. Click here to learn more.