Working with England's County FAs to Build Mental Health in the Grassroots Game
ONLINE VIA MS Teams
Thursday 27th June 6.30pm - 7.30pm FREE
In this candid and insightful session, Caulker, who played for Premier League clubs Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs will delve into his personal journey with mental health, offering an unparalleled perspective on the challenges faced by footballers both on and off the pitch.
With a career that has seen the highs of Premier League success and international duty, alongside the lows of personal struggles with depression and addiction, Caulker's story is a testament to resilience, and the importance of mental health support in the beautiful game.
Join us for an exclusive live webinar with ex-England, Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs player Steven Caulker.
In partnership with Reward Finance Group, Behind the White Lines and England’s County FAs, The Football Mental Health Alliance is thrilled to announce an exclusive free webinar featuring former England international Steven Caulker.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, 27th June at 6:30 PM, comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the end of the group stages of the European Football Championships.
Steven Caulker's professional football career began with high expectations, seeing him play for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and earning an England national team call-up in 2012.
His promising start included successful loan spells at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City, where his defensive skills garnered attention. Despite these early successes, Caulker's career took a turbulent turn as he struggled with personal issues, including gambling and alcohol addiction.
These challenges, compounded by the pressure and scrutiny of professional football, led to several high-profile incidents and media coverage that overshadowed his on-field achievements.
Caulker's addiction issues began to surface during his time at Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers (QPR). Despite being named team captain and performing well initially, his battles with gambling and drinking began to take a toll.
He vividly recalls the moment he realised his drinking was a problem at 24, recognising the severe consequences of his actions. His addictions led to public scandals, including drink-driving incidents and other alcohol-fueled escapades that attracted significant media attention.
Caulker recounts moments of extreme despair, including contemplating suicide, which highlighted the severity of his mental health crisis. His journey through these dark times was marked by repeated attempts to regain control, including attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings and other rehabilitation efforts. This phase of his life was marked by a painful yet crucial journey of self-discovery and recovery, laying the groundwork for his eventual return to football and advocacy for mental health.
I am honoured to share my journey and insights on mental health in football. We must continue to break the stigma and support each other, both on and off the pitch.
I hope my experiences inspire others to seek help and create a more open conversation about mental well-being in the sport.
I’ll also be on hand to offer my take on the Euros so far and answer any questions delegates have about my career and life inside and outside of football.
The impact of these personal struggles was not limited to his career. Caulker speaks candidly about the emotional and financial strain his addictions placed on his family and friends.
He recounts borrowing large sums of money to fund his gambling, often under false pretenses, and the guilt and shame that accompanied these actions. Despite attempts to hand over financial control to his parents and partner, he always found ways to circumvent these safeguards, driven by a compulsion to win back his losses.
This destructive cycle led to significant financial losses and damaged relationships, illustrating the pervasive and insidious nature of addiction.
Caulker's lowest points included being out of professional football for extended periods and the emotional toll of seeing his career slip away.
After leaving QPR, he experienced six months of unemployment, during which he struggled with sobriety and the fear that his football career might be over. However, this period also marked a turning point, as he sought help and began to rebuild his life. His move to Dundee in Scotland provided a fresh start, where he felt a sense of normalcy and camaraderie with teammates.
This environment allowed him to rediscover his love for football and regain some stability in his life.
Throughout his career, Caulker has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in football. His openness about his struggles aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health conditions in the sport. Caulker emphasises the need for better support systems for players at all levels, advocating for emotional and psychological care as integral parts of athlete management.
His story is not just one of personal redemption but also a call to action for the football community to prioritise mental well-being alongside physical performance, ensuring that players at every level have the resources they need to cope with the pressures of the game.
This webinar takes place right in the middle of the European Football Championships, providing a timely platform for Steven to cast his expert eye on the tournament.
Attendees can look forward to hearing his insights on the standout performances, tactical trends and key moments that have defined the competition so far.
With his deep understanding of the game and firsthand experience at the highest levels of football, Caulker will offer a unique perspective on how the tournament is shaping up, adding an exciting dimension to the discussion on mental health and football.
The resources and support provided in The Vault are designed to promote mental wellbeing and provide general guidance on mental health related to grassroots football.
However, the content is not intended to serve as specific mental health advice or replace consultation with a trained professional. If you or someone you know requires personalised mental health support, we strongly encourage you to consult with a licensed mental health professional or seek appropriate services in your area.
The Vault also offers signposting to help you find organisations that can provide more specialised assistance when needed.
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