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 2025 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. 

Regional Mental Health Programs

Northern NSW Football is delighted to announce that it will provide regional club members with the opportunity to attend a mental health awareness program.

These programs will be provided in conjunction with NNSWF’s mental health partner Talk2MeBro and seek to create positive metal health outcomes for players and members of the northern NSW football family through promoting the significance of raising awareness, encouraging education and ensuring mental health support. 

The program will encompass the following components:

  1. Talk on Mental Wellbeing:  
    An engaging and informative session focusing on mental health awareness, stress management, suicide intervention strategies and fostering a positive mindset.

  1. Mindfulness/Breathwork Session: 
    A practical workshop teaching participants various mindfulness and breathwork techniques to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. 

REGISTER HERE

NNSWF Northern Inland

Armidale

  • Date: Wednesday 2 July 2025
  • Location: Rologas Fields
  • Time: 5-6pm (13-18 year olds), 6.30-8pm (seniors)

Tamworth

  • Date: Thursday 3 July 2025
  • Location: Gipps Street Fields
  • Time: 5-6pm (13-18 year olds), 6.30-8pm (seniors)

North Coast

Coffs Harbour

Far North Coast

Alstonville

  • Date: Tuesday 15 July 2025
  • Location: Geoff Watt Oval
  • Time: 5-6pm (13-18 year olds), 6.30-8pm (seniors)

Mid North Coast

Taree

  • Date: Tuesday 5 August 2025
  • Location: Omaru Park
  • Time: 5-6pm (13-18 year olds), 6.30-8pm (seniors)

Port Macquarie

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is happening March 17 -23.

Clubs can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week by registering your clubs activity.

Clubs can have access to digital marketing assets to promote the round and request information on programs offered by NNSWF's mental health partner Talk2MeBro.

REGISTER YOUR CLUB HERE

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