Academy players ranging from under-9s to under-14s have taken part in a number of sessions to help gain a better understanding of emotions and good mental health.
The If U Care Share Foundation visited Compton Park over the last few weeks to deliver their “Heads Up” programme ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
With the support of the player care team, they delivered a number of sessions that used audience participation in the form of football drills to cover topics such as how to deal with big emotions and what can be done to help with promoting good mental health.
The players were given a better understanding of the difference between physical and mental health, identifying that mental health starts with the brain, while recognising good and bad emotions to make them aware of who can be there to help along with coping strategies to use if they are struggling with their feelings.
If You Care Share offer workshops to primary, secondary and educational establishments to help equip young people, with their team reaching some of the most vulnerable people in society to support them at their time of need.
Player care manager, Mark Hyland, and player care officer, Natalie Scates, said: “The boys really enjoyed the sessions and took away some key learning to help them think about mental health in a different way and guide them towards looking after their own mental health and those around them.
“The feedback from the charity was really positive and they have asked to do a follow up session with the same age groups and also put on other workshops for different groups this season. This echoes what the players fed back to us. When asked, all the boys said it was fun and that they understood mental health was important to everyone and it was different to physical health.
“The life skills package we deliver is really important to all our players. It gives them tools to support their football journey and their lifelong wellbeing. This workshop had great energy and was delivered at an engaging level for our foundation phase and we cannot wait to work with the charity again soon.
“We will also make workshops available for parents and carers online and face-to-face to allow a wider understanding and support for our players, families and host families.”
