The tragic, recent news of young grassroots footballers Jack Badger (24) and Riley Townsend (12) who both died by suicide have brought the crisis we face in society closer to the coal face of grassroots football.

These two tragedies are not isolated. The silence around male mental health is deafening, and it’s costing lives. We believe that the football community needs more support and education around male suicide.

Football at all levels isn't just about the game; it's about community, friendships and support.

Yet, beneath the surface, many men are struggling with mental health challenges they feel they cannot voice. The alarming rise in male suicide, particularly within our football communities, demands immediate attention.

This podcast from the original webinar is a call to action.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. In football, where resilience, strength and 'toughness' are often mistaken for silence, the crisis is deepening. We need to talk about it, not just as individuals but as individuals, teams, clubs and communities.

We need to break the silence, challenge the culture and save lives.