In recent years, the Premier League has witnessed a considerable shift in its approach to mental health, recognising it as an important part of player well-being, especially as it can severely affect their game in extreme cases.
This is particularly underlined by tragic suicides of former players such as Gary Speed highlighted the urgent need for better mental health support within the football community. These events served as a wake-up call, prompting clubs, governing bodies, and organisations to take action.
What is obvious from these instances, is that a lot more needs to be done to help raise awareness about the mental health of footballers and that a lot more needs to be done in terms of offering support and making sure professionals know that there is help available should they need it.
Of course, the topic of mental health has, historically been somewhat of a ‘taboo’ issue and, it is obviously even more so in professional sport, especially those that command high salaries. Footballers coming forward about their issues may for them, be quite embarrassing, when considering that they are materialistically a lot better off than the majority of the population.
As a result, the Premier League has a number of initiatives that all can take part in as a result of helping to raise awareness about mental health challenges among footballers.
Mental Health First Aid Training
One significant step taken by the Premier League has been the introduction of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. It is undoubtedly a good idea for clubs to have this—it essentially helps to bridge the gap between ‘normal’ society and elite football, where footballers may not feel as judged for coming forward about any issues they may be facing.
This is a program that aims to equip club staff, including coaches, physios, and management, with the skills to recognise signs of mental health issues and provide initial support.
Dedicated Mental Health Professionals
Many Premier League clubs (especially the big ones) have hired mental health professionals who are committed to helping prevent mental health issues, such as sports psychologists and counsellors, to work closely with players.
Again, this is likely designed as a way to help footballers feel more comfortable about coming forward, knowing that it won’t reach the public eye; something that many footballers will probably be quite self-conscious about.
PFA and LMA Support Services
In addition to club resources, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and the League Managers Association (LMA) have also provided mental health support services to players and managers.
Knowing that this level of help is available right at the top is definitely a good thing, because it means that the problem has been officially acknowledged by the governing bodies.
Education and Awareness Campaigns
Furthermore, the Premier League has launched a number of education and awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and encourage open conversations. This starts from academies upwards.
Initiatives like the “Heads Up” campaign, in partnership with the FA and spearheaded by Prince William, have been pivotal in bringing mental health issues to the forefront. One of the good things about this, is that the Prince famously, already has a strong connection with the world of football and, as a result, having him as somewhat of an ambassador, help to further raise awareness..
Furthermore, multiple football tournaments are organised annually by associated charities to raise money for such causes.
In the last year alone, our attendees have played at Oldham Athletic and Rochdale AFC stadiums, had friendly games against similar initiatives, and lifted our first ever trophy at the Place 2 Place FC Mental Health Awareness Tournament. pic.twitter.com/p8MX6BxdAD
— Mental Health Football (@MHF_Oldham) January 13, 2024
Player-led Initiatives
Interestingly, players have become cheerleaders for mental health, and have applied their influence to help affect change in a positive manner.
As such, high-profile athletes like Danny Rose, Aaron Lennon, and Tyrone Mings have been forthcoming about their own mental health struggles, which has helped to break down barriers, encouraging others to seek help, regardless of whether they are footballers. Even at an amateur or semi-pro level, knowing that there are famous players who have gone through these struggles is, perhaps, somewhat of a positive sign for others going through similar situations.
The Impact of Mental Health Initiatives
The introduction of mental health initiatives in the Premier League have also had a major impact on players and the wider football community. As a result, they have exhibited a number of clear benefits, as detailed below.
Early Intervention and Support
Upon the integration of mental health support into a club’s infrastructure it means that players can get assistance at the early stages of their mental health difficulties.
This is important because it means that early intervention can be crucial to help prevent small issues from becoming severe.
For footballers at the highest level, this is important and clubs can benefit, because catching these signs early can prevent a player’s performance worsening on the pitch, which can be detrimental to a club’s overall performance. However, there is a clearly a delicate balance. Ensuring that players get the help they need, is first and foremost, obviously the most important thing.
Improved Performance and Well-being
Mental health directly impacts a player’s performance on the pitch. Addressing mental health issues can lead to improved focus, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being.
When players are mentally fit, they are more likely to perform at their best and contribute positively to their team’s success.
Reduced Stigma
In order to help raise awareness, the Premier League has increased its attempts to help with the promotion of the importance of having conversations about mental health.
It means, that players can feel more comfortable when looking for help, in addition to talking more openly about what they might be going through. While there still might be some way to go, this is clearly a positive indicator that the governing body is active in helping to try and reduce mental health struggles as much as they can.
Inspiration and Role Models
For many, it can be important that players speak out about their difficulties and because of the fact that they are mostly recognised as role models, this can help others come forward which could in time, make the issue a lot less ‘taboo’. Not many realise that the next generation is certainly important and, in order to help them grow to their best potential, knowing that their heroes have possibly experienced similar issues can help with their professional development, both psychologically and phsyically.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
What we have seen, is that quite a lot of progress is being made when it comes to the promotion of mental health awareness in profressional football – which, in the term, can only be a good thing. Despite this, though there are still some issues that need to be confronted and tackled head on, though with a certain amount of tact, as illustrated below.
Consistency Across Clubs
One big factor is something that should be taken seriously and it is that not every club has access to the same amonut of help as others, often due to a lack of financial resources or, indeed, allocation of resources to other departments. It means that clubs with a smaller profile, such as those that have just been promoted to the Premier League, may have to rely on charitable organisations in order to give their players the best possible support.
Ongoing Education and Training
This is definitely an important factor, because over time, more important things are being discovered, which means that some clubs might be left behind in terms of the knowledge that they have at their disposal in order to help their players. As such, providing the latest education will continue to be important.
Support for Retired Players
Over the years this has been a significant issue and it stems from the fact that the majority of professional footballers often have a shelf-life in terms of their professional career. There is, though a small quantity of top players who can keep on playing at the highest level, well into their late thirties (Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic etc).
However, for most, going from training every day and playing every week for 12 years to suddenly being almost left by the wayside, can be mentally challeninging. Afterall, it is all they have known. It is of little surprise that some suffer psycholoigcally, though there are those that have carved out new careers in coaching or punditry so they are still involved in the game.
For those that are not lucky enough to achieve this, it can have a detrimental effect and certainly, help for retired players is definitely needed.
What Can We Expect To See In The Future?
Overall, it is clear that the Premier League’s commitment to mental health initiatives has marked a significant and positive shift in football. As a result, by prioritising mental well-being, the league helps to foster a more supportive and empathetic environment for players, ensuring they have the resources and care needed to thrive both on and off the pitch.
As a result, it means that there is almost definitely a long road ahead in order to keep proving help to players whether this is from governing bodies, clubs or even external charities.
The increase in availability of these initiatives benefits the players. This is because it will assist in setting a considerable example for other sports and industries to follow. Ultimately, future generations are key and there needs to be a blueprint to heed by, while also ensuring past and presents players have access to the help that they need.
