Mental Health

Mental Health

Many of us know that socialising, playing sports, getting exercise and plenty of fresh air are great proven activities for bettering our physical and mental health. 

However, sometimes the competitive side of the game, negative experiences with others or the environment we play in, can also challenge our mental health. Other pressures from work, social or home life can also weigh on ourselves or those around us. 

It can be harder to see when a teammate or club member is struggling with mental health issues. However, we can all play a role in watching out for each other and speaking up to break the stigma around mental health. 

Our commitment is to create a safe, healthy and inclusive environment, where players, refs, coaches and families can watch out for each other and interact together respectfully. This means speaking up against bullying, treating others with respect and promoting football for all.

As part of raising awareness for mental health, Northern NSW Football runs an annual Mental Health Round across all competitions in northern NSW. 

Northern NSW Football invites Member Zones and affiliated Member Clubs to express their interest to engage in a Mental Health Program in 2026 by completing the EOI HERE.

We are part of a football team and community. This means we support each other, watch out for each other and have each other’s backs. Our diversity only makes us stronger, and our strength will be an example to follow for the next generation to come. 

Mental Health Round 2026

Mental Health Round 2026 is happening Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August.

Talk2MeBro Early Intervention Program

Talk2MeBro's Early Intervention Program aims to reduce the incidence of suicide and create societal change by reducing the stigma around suicide.

The program educates, supports, and empowers those in attendance, with male and female players aged 15 years and older able to attend.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN TALK2MEBRO

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Webinar 

A Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Webinar recording is now available to the football family.

The webinar consisted of a panel of mental health experts as well as former Jets players Nigel Boogaard & Georgina Worth discussing strategies to suicide prevention and positive mental health. 

Topics for discussion on the webinar include:

  • How to navigate mental health in pressure situations
  • Dealing with pressures from the outside
  • Practical strategies to deal with mental health
  • Who can I go to
  • Q & A

Where else can you find support?

There are several resources for players, refs, coaches and volunteers of sporting teams to help them open up to each other and have meaningful conversations that can save lives.

If you need support, help is available:

Call 13 11 14  (24 hours a day)

Creating Inclusive and Safer Spaces

Raising Awareness for Mental Health