Back Onside’s Positive Pitches campaign was launched in 2021 aimed at football clubs and players to promote positive mental health within the industry. After working closely with several clubs and players at all levels over the last few years, and realising there was a real lack of support available, the charity decided to launch the campaign to let clubs and players know that there is support out there. Determined to break the stigma attached to mental health and the football industry, the campaign targets football clubs of all levels in a bid to let players and staff know they are there should they need support as well as educating clubs on ways to support players and promote a positive environment. Footballers are often at risk of suffering with their mental health as they face high pressure within their jobs, injuries, abuse on and off the pitch and scrutiny resulting in feelings of anxiety and depression. Many footballers also have other jobs outside of football which adds extra stress and pressure to daily life. All of this can result in their mental health reaching an all-time low and, as many deal with this silently, by the time others realise, it can too often be too late. Throughout the last few of years, the charity have seen an increase in the number of people reaching out to them for help, in particular football players in need of support. This surge spurred founder Libby to launch Positive Pitches in a bid to ensure every club and player knows who they are and how to contact them should they need them.  

Hibs Launch Special Partnership With Mental Health Charity Back Onside