THE FA HAS LAUNCHED A NEW MENTAL HEALTH GUIDe FOR COACHES AND MANAGERS

The 36-page publication forms an important part of The FA and Heads Together’s ‘Heads Up’ campaign, which seeks to harness the influence and popularity of football to drive the biggest ever conversation on mental health.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

In addition to information and advice on mental health and wellbeing, the guidance notes have been created to help coaches and managers spot the signs of mental health problems predominantly amongst male players, giving them the confidence to support and signpost to specialist help where necessary, including Heads Up’s charity partners and a 24/7 text support service. The notes will be distributed across grassroots adult football and will be made available to every coach and manager across the football pyramid.

Quotes and personal testimonies are included in the guide from across the football spectrum. It also includes a section for coaches and managers on looking after themselves, as well as tips on actions to take in an emergency. Further tips cover how to have a conversation with someone about their mental health, what language is and isn’t acceptable – as well as the answers to frequently-asked questions on the overall topic.

Greg Clarke, The FA’s Chairman said: “Understandably, football like society tends to focus on physical fitness, but mental fitness is just as important. We want to use football’s popularity and reach to highlight this and stimulate conversation in order to save lives. Coaches and managers have a unique and treasured relationship with their players and it is hoped these guidance notes will provide a valuable tool for them to spot the signs, support and sign-post where necessary. These notes are primarily aimed at coaches and managers within men’s football, but we will be producing further guidance notes for the women’s game and those working in youth football.”

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “We’re delighted to have worked closely with The FA on creating this landmark guide. We hope that by adding this vital resource to the kit bag of football coaches and managers across the country we can ensure more footballers receive the mental health support they need, when they need it most.”

For more information on Heads Up visit headstogether.org.uk. 

Those in need of immediate support can text ‘HeadsUp’ to 85258 to be connected to a trained crisis counsellor. This service is available 24/7, and free to text from most mobile networks.