Ahead of the ‘Heads Up FA Cup Final’, The Duke of Cambridge has welcomed a declaration on mental health in football as a ‘legacy we can all be proud of, following a season we will never forget’.
The joint Declaration commits to make mental health a key priority at all levels of the game, as a lasting legacy of the ‘Heads Up’ campaign.
The ‘Mentally Healthy Football’ Declaration has brought together governing bodies, leagues, and organisations from UK football to recognise mental health as being as important as physical health, and pioneering a ‘team approach’.
Together, the UK football family will build on the important work that clubs and football organisations, working together to increase efforts in football and support the development of ‘mentally healthy clubs’ at every level of the game.
In a video marking the signing of the Mentally Healthy Football Declaration, Prince William said: ‘Not only will [the Declaration] benefit future generations who work and play within the game, but it will also send a clear message to football’s millions of fans about the importance of mental health. That is a legacy we can all be proud of – following a season we will never forget.’
The short film shows senior leaders signing the Declaration on a video call with the Duke earlier this month, and also features players and managers reaffirming support for mental health – including England men’s manager Gareth Southgate, Scotland men’s captain Andy Robertson, Northern Ireland women’s captain Marissa Callaghan, and Wales women’s captain Sophie Ingle.
In the Declaration, they say: “Now, more than ever, is the time for us to support each other and for all parts of society to prioritise mental health. We will do everything we can to play our part in this and help make football a ‘mentally healthy’ environment, now and in the future.”
For more information, visit HeadsTogether.org.uk/Heads-Up