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Mental Health & Wellbeing

Football is more than just a game - it’s a community. In our community, mental health and wellbeing matter just as much as physical health. No one has to face challenges alone, and support is always available.

Football NSW is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of everyone involved in our game. We recognise that a strong football community is built not only on physical performance, but also on positive mental health and emotional resilience.

Across our clubs, competitions, and programs, we strive to create an environment where people feel safe, respected, and supported. Players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and staff should all feel confident that their wellbeing is valued within our football family.

We are committed to raising awareness of mental health, improving access to trusted online resources, and encouraging open and respectful conversations. By normalising these discussions and supporting one another, we can ensure that people feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.

Football NSW believes that caring for mental wellbeing strengthens individuals, teams, and communities. Through compassion, understanding, and shared responsibility, we can continue to build a football environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel connected and supported.

Mental Health Matters in our Game

Socialising, playing sport, exercising and spending time outdoors are proven to support both physical and mental wellbeing. However, the competitive nature of sport, negative experiences, or pressures from work, social or home life can sometimes impact our mental health.

It can be difficult to recognise when a teammate or club member is struggling, but we all have a role to play in looking out for one another and helping break the stigma around mental health.

Football communities are strongest when everyone feels supported and respected. Creating positive environments on and off the field helps people feel safe, valued and connected, which is essential for both enjoyment of the game and overall wellbeing.

If you or someone you know needs support, there are many organisations and resources available. You can also speak with your family doctor, who can listen to your concerns and provide advice.

Finding Support

We all have good days and bad days. However, if you’re feeling sad, down or anxious and these feelings have started to affect your everyday life, then it’s important to find help and support that can get you back on track.

Crisis Support

In an emergency, call 000 immediately.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Services

Getting Help – where to start

Self-Care

When you’re not feeling great, it can be hard to know where to start. The Self-Care Check allows you to compare your daily actions and habits to the things we know can protect our mental health.  It’s free, anonymous, and takes only a few minutes.

Here are some This Way Up self care resources that can also help:

Visit your GP

If you or someone you know is worried about a mental health issue, the first step is talking to your Doctor who can decide what support you might need or refer you to a counsellor or other specialist.  If you are under 18 please talk to your parent, guardian, or a close relative about how you are feeling and ask if they can take you to the Doctor.

It is important to be honest with your doctor about how you feel so that they can give you the best support and treatment.   Remember it is important to tell your doctor:

  • your symptoms, thoughts and how you feel
  • any circumstances that may be relevant to your mental health
  • your concerns (including any private or emotional concerns)
  • what you feel is affecting you

Video – Talking to your GP about your mental health

Talking about your mental health can be hard. You can take a family member or close friend along for support. They can also help explain your situation to the doctor, and they can help remember the discussions you had.

Sport Integrity Australia

AIS Mental Health Referral Network

The AIS Mental Health Referral Network provides support for high performance athletes and eligible individuals within the Australian high performance sports system who have mental health or wellbeing concerns.

Other Resources and Support Information

How can sport clubs help?

It is important that players, coaches, referees and volunteers of sporting teams are able to open up to each other and have meaningful conversations.

The following can assist clubs in mental wellbeing awareness and supporting players, coaches, referees, volunteers and officials.

Sport clubs are a great place to help break down stigma and start conversations on mental health.

  • Offer free talks or training to members
  • Have mental health days or dedicated rounds to raise awareness
  • Partner with local mental health agencies and support services.

Club leaders should proactively discuss:

  • Creating a mentally healthy workplace for your volunteers and staff
  • Creating positive environments for sports participation
  • Being inclusive and supportive of people with mental health issues.

Do this by considering:

  • Having a good understanding of mental health yourself – be a role model
  • Training and educating key people in your club on mental health
  • Discussing mental health and risks for your club at meetings
  • Develop, adopt and enforce policies and codes which support positive environments (eg. anti bullying)
  • Ask members for ideas and listen.

 

Online Support

Mental Health – Where to Get HelpMedicare Mental HealthHealth Direct Website

Online Chat Forums

Programs & Resources

Good Sports Club Program