LRCFA Launch Mental Health Friendly Clubs Programme
Leicestershire & Rutland County FA are proud to announce the launch of a new initiative in collaboration with local councils to offer football opportunities for adult men looking to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
As part of the councils' Mental Health Friendly Places programme, we have partnered to develop a comprehensive support package for five grassroots football clubs across the county. This initiative equips each club with the training and resources needed to create football sessions tailored specifically for adult men seeking to use the sport as a way to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Introducing the Pilot Clubs
For the upcoming season, we’re pleased to announce that AFC Andrews, Ellistown FC, Harborough Town FC, Lutterworth Athletic and Sileby Juniors will be piloting this programme. Their involvement will help us refine the initiative with the aim of expanding it to more clubs in the future.
Building Mental Health Friendly Clubs
The Mental Health Friendly Clubs initiative recognises the commitment of grassroots clubs to creating safe and inclusive spaces for community members to play football. As part of the programme, the five clubs participating in the first season will undergo mental health and suicide prevention training for key committee members, ensuring that members' mental wellbeing remains a central focus of each club’s community work.
Through this training, committee members and coaches will learn to identify when someone may need support and will be trained to listen, observe, and connect individuals to a range of specialist local partners.
My Space, My Game: A New Kind of Football Session
Over the coming season, each club will run weekly or bi-weekly football sessions, branded as ‘My Space, My Game’, to encourage men in their local communities to use football as a way to stay active. These sessions are also designed to foster an environment where players feel comfortable supporting themselves and one another. The football sessions will be casual kickabout events hosted at each club, offering a relaxed, judgement-free space for players to unwind and de-stress each week.
Karl Percival, Football Development Lead at Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, said: “This programme is about more than just playing football; it’s about creating spaces where men feel supported, encouraged, and part of a community. We’re committed to using football as a tool for positive change, and we’re excited to see these clubs leading the way in supporting mental health across our communities.”
How do I get involved?
If you would be interested in playing in the My Space My Game football sessions, then please contact our Development Team at Development@leicestershirefa.com