To mark World Mental Health Day, The FA will run a series of six related workshops kicking off at the end of October.
Scheduled to take place in Newcastle and London, the workshops, facilitated by mental health experts, will explore what mental health means, its different causes and methods to help alleviate.
The workshops are aimed at coaches, players, volunteers and officials involved in grassroots and community football clubs.
By acknowledging World Mental Health Day, football joins a growing list of sports making better provisions for those with mental health issues.
“Mental health has particularly been in the spotlight of late due to some high-profile sportspeople either experiencing issues related to it or speaking out about it,” said Funke Awoderu, The FA's inclusion and diversity manager.
“It’s important for the whole of football, not just The FA, to help raise awareness and shine a light on the work being done in football.”
Former professional footballer turned boxer Leon Mckenzie is one person pleased with the progress football is making.
He said: “Football, like many sports, particularly at the elite end, can be an unforgiving place so I’m pleased to see helpful interventions in place from the different bodies in the game to help those who are suffering from mental health issues to get the help and guidance they need.”
The FA has already pledged its support to the Mental Health Charter which sets out how sport can use its collective power to tackle mental ill-health and the stigma that surrounds it.
As well as the workshops an awareness-raising film has been planned featuring contributions from professional players and managers, and will be facilitated by mental health experts.
To book your free place on any one of the workshops, which are all restricted to 35 people each, please click one of the links below with registration coming on a ‘first come, first served’ basis:
- St James' Park, Thurs 27 Oct 2016, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- St James' Park, Wed 9 Nov, 2016, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
- Loftus Road Stadium, Thurs 10 Nov 2016, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
- Loftus Road Stadium, Thurs 17 Nov 2016,6:30pm - 8:30pm
- Wembley Stadium, Thurs 24 Nov 2016, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
- Wembley Stadium, Wed 30 Nov 2016, 6:30 - 8:30pm
