Banner image credit | Connie May

Movember is an annual charity event where Manchester met societies are taking part to mark Men’s Health Awareness Month.

According to the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, three in four suicides are male. Statistics like this are why Movember exists.

Movember has raised millions globally for men’s health, and some of MMU’s sports societies are hosting an all-day football event to make their own impact. 

On 26 November, eight societies will come together to host a ‘North vs South’ charity football event at Platt Lane Sports Complex in Fallowfield.

The aim is to raise money and encourage men to open up and seek support. All proceeds from purchased tickets (£5) will go towards supporting Movember. Donations are welcome on the day. 

Three matches will take place: Women’s vs Men’s Lacrosse, Rugby League vs Rugby Union, and Women’s vs Men’s Football Club.

The Cheerleading Society will be there to rally the teams, while Room 909 (House society) will set up their decks and marquee to keep the crowd entertained between matches. 

Leon Massey, social secretary of Man Met Rugby League, says: “At the end of the month, my teammates at Man Met Rugby League and I are swapping codes to play the Rugby Union boys in a football match.”

Leon is a passionate advocate for men’s mental health. He explains that Movember means a lot to him as he grew up in an environment where feelings were seen as a sign of weakness, and that there was an unspoken rule to just get on with it.

Leon wants to be the one to make a difference. “We’ll be doing it with the moustaches, the sweaty kit or fancy dress, and the banter to get people talking and donating. If one lad reaches out because of it, it’s all worth it,” says Leon.

He says he knows how much it means for someone to check up on you – and really mean it, and that’s why this cause is so important to him.

“Every pound raised helps make that conversation easier for the next lad sat in a changing room pretending he’s fine,” says Leon.

For the students involved, this match is more than just a game – it’s a way for them to raise awareness whilst doing what they love. Further events will be planned across campus throughout the month.