5 Teams Stepping Up for Their Players’ Mental Health

2021 was a big year for mental health awareness. Athletes across the board took a stand for their mental well-being, like USWNT player Christen Press, who took a break from soccer in September to focus on her mental health. 

In light of this, several organizations have stepped up. The UEFA started the “Feel Well, Play Well” campaign promoting healthy lifestyles and seeking help for mental health needs.

In the U.S., NWSL players can now access the Support the Players National Emergency Trust (NET). The NWSL Players Association launched the fund to cover players’ expenses for emergencies and accessing mental health services. 

Several teams are also stepping up to support their players. Here are five that are prioritizing mental health: 

 

OL Reign

The OL Reign has set a great example for the league in caring for their players’ mental health. Before the start of the 2021 season, a team psychologist was added to the coaching staff to support player wellness.

Bethany Balcer, a forward on the team, credited the team for supporting her after undergoing a mental health-related incident in 2020. Balcer, who has been open about her mental health struggles, thanked them for caring about the players as people before all else.

thank you @OLReign for prioritizing mental health! right after my incident happened last july, i got a call from our owner, bill, who made sure i was getting taken care of. proud to play for a club who is invested in us as people first, players second.https://t.co/0JxIQD0Y9q

— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) February 20, 2021

The addition of a psychologist is definitely proof that this team cares about their players fully. 

 

Stanford Women’s Soccer

Stanford Women’s Soccer is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Members from the team, including number one 2021 NWSL draft selection, Naomi Girma, recorded a mental health message released on social media. Featured players recall how the team motivates each other to feel confident in speaking up when they need help.

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??????. ??????. ???????.#GoStanford | #PacHasYourBack | #BreakTheStigma pic.twitter.com/uk6lzsOl4E

— Stanford Women's Soccer (@StanfordWSoccer) October 23, 2021

Older players advocate for younger players to feel comfortable sharing–reminding them that everyone struggles. Talk about true sportsmanship! These girls are definitely leaders in the fight to break the stigma. 

 

University of Saskatchewan Women’s Soccer

The University of Saskatchewan Women’s Soccer team uses an app to monitor players’ mental health. Players are encouraged to check in on the app to report how they are feeling.

Check out a few of the recent initiatives we have implemented as a program to keep our team connected and healthy on the field of play ?⚽️
Thank you @CBCSaskatoon for the interest and coverage ??#marginalgains #ontherise https://t.co/9LDjURVn10

— UofS Women's Soccer (@HuskieWSOC) October 5, 2021

The coaching staff can then follow up with players whenever they have an issue. The app, called AthleteMonitoring, gives coaches a chance to help treat issues before they increase.

According to an interview statement given by their head coach, players have been more open to reporting problems since using the app. Real change occurs when players feel comfortable to share, and the Huskies are modeling just that. 

 

Gallaudet University Women’s Soccer

Gallaudet University Women’s Soccer partnered up with the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services department to raise awareness.

Players recorded videos to remind fellow athletes that mental health struggles are real and common. Since the school is designed for the deaf and hard of hearing, Bison players sign the entire video so the message gets to all.

Oct 2nd: Come and support the #Gallaudet Women's Soccer Team for Mental Health Awareness Game Day on Saturday at 7 p.m. https://t.co/y1VDZmepWY via @YouTube #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #GUBison #d3soc #RisingUnited

— Gallaudet Bison (@GallaudetBison) October 1, 2021

The team also named October 2nd as their Mental Health Awareness game day. This team really knows how to start a conversation and show support! 

 

University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer

Our last team on the list is the University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer team. They use their games to raise awareness for mental health.

The cause hit close to home since the school grieved three students for mental health reasons during the fall semester. Players created posters with words of encouragement and posted them around the stadium for their October 21st game against Florida State.

An important message about a critically important topic for our campus and beyond from @uncwomenssoccer. Please join the team in advancing the conversation about mental health awareness.#GoHeels pic.twitter.com/ayOrUiiykp

— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) October 21, 2021

The team continued the conversation online, sharing useful resources for those who need help. They are real leaders, not only for their own well-being but for the rest of their campus too. Truly inspirational. 

 

These teams exemplify true care and concern for their players. As we move into a new year, hopefully, more teams will continue pledging their support for mental health! 

 

Featured image via @uncwomenssoccer on Instagram

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