Worcestershire FA is proud to announce its partnership with The Football Mental Health Alliance (FMHA), furthering its mission to embed mental health support into the grassroots football family.

At the heart of this collaboration and launching on World Mental Health Day 2023 is The Vault, FMHA's free, pioneering mental health platform designed with comprehensive resources for grassroots football. This unique platform is the result of collaboration with specialist psychologists, coaches, parents, carers, licensed FIFA Agents and ex-professional footballers, to understand key mental health challenges and craft innovative solutions.

The Vault contains expert-led, football-themed content in the form of interactive webinars, access to personal stories from current and ex-professional footballers, articles and infographics, a podcast, journals, mental health plans for Clubs to utilise, mental health first aid training and an upcoming conference, all designed to support mental well-being within the grassroots football community. 

The Vault is for anyone involved in grassroots football at any level – players, coaches, parents/carers, spectators, volunteers and match officials. 

Statistics show that one in four people experience mental health difficulties each year and at any given time, one in six working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill-health. Mental health conditions often develop early, with 75% of cases starting by age 18. Alarmingly, men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.

The Vault was conceived in response to these pressing statistics and the increased demand for digital mental health solutions across the grassroots football spectrum. This always accessible, ever-evolving platform provides support anytime for all age ranges. It allows for anonymous sign-up, ensuring confidentiality and comfort to those seeking information or assistance with their own or someone else’s mental health. 

"We are elated to welcome Worcestershire FA. Our partnership is an acknowledgement of football's unique position to enhance mental health in our game and communities," said Danny Matharu, Founder of The Football Mental Health Alliance. 

"The Vault will serve as a free, always accessible, continually growing resource, ensuring a wide-reaching, tangible impact on mental health within grassroots football across England. There is a clear and urgent need for a comprehensive, digital mental health support system that provides resources, education and guidance, especially within the grassroots community, a space which has long faced a dearth of such solutions.”

Issey Lee-Fisher, Football Development Officer at Worcestershire FA said, “We are thrilled to join forces with FMHA. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to the well-being of our football community. Together, we aim to significantly impact the mental health landscape in grassroots football. We look forward to the positive change we can instigate through our collective efforts.

“The Vault presents an innovative solution to the grassroots football community, solidifying our ongoing commitment to the holistic well-being of every individual involved in the sport. Launching on World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity to remind our stakeholders that we are here to support them with their mental health."

The Vault opens on Tuesday October 10th 2023. 

Details can be found at www.vault.thefmha.com where 'grassrooters’ can sign up for free.