Manchester United’s academy launches its mental health awareness month
- United teams up with top European teams such as Bayern Munich and Beneficia in this new initiative
- Club captain and England international Harry Maguire will take a hands-on role as ambassador for the campaign
- There will be activities throughout the month with each week focusing on a different theme of ‘wellbeing’
Manchester United’s academy has launched an inititative to as part of mental health awareness month in March.
Throughout this month there will be a range of activities raising awareness around mental health for staff, players and parents.
Activities include sports psychology workshops, practical training sessions, roundtable discussions and mental health branding at matches.
United’s captain Harry Maguire is the lead ambassador for the initiative and the captain will also be involved in various activities throughout the month.
He said: “Manchester United does fantastic work in this area across the first-team, academy and in the community.
“I am looking forward to supporting the academy in my role as mental health awareness month ambassador.
“I know first-hand what players experience when they are developing and, as club captain. I am always there to support them as they come through the system.”
As well as Maguire there will be current first team players and past players talking to different age groups throughout the month.
The aim is to decrease the stigma about mental health discussion at every age and social group across the football club and in the wider community.
“It is important that everyone feels comfortable to discuss any problems they may have and that as a society we promote good mental health for all,” said Maguire.
#MUAcademy has today launched an innovative Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness and encourage conversation around mental health #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2022
United is working with mental health charity Mind around its ‘five ways to wellbeing’ programme which incldues: connecting, taking notice, being active, giving back and continuous learning.
Nick Cox, United’s head of academy, said: “We are really proud of the extensive work that we do in supporting the mental health of our players and staff.
“Our mental health awareness month enables the academy to build on, and highlight, the key messages of our wider enrichment programme that takes place throughout the season.
“The mental health of our players is just as important as their physical and technical development.
“We therefore continue to play our part in taking active measures to ensure that they are encouraged to talk about mental health to help lift the stigma associated with it.”
United’s staff and players will wear the symbolic green ribbon throughout the month to continue their campaign to raise awareness.