Some conversations around football are easy. What time’s kick-off? Who’s bringing the bibs? Has anyone seen the pump?
Others take a bit more courage.
“I don’t like what they’re saying in the group chat.”
“That joke’s always about me.”
“I don’t feel part of the team.”
Anti-Bullying Week runs from 16–20 November, with the theme “Break the Silence”. It made me think about the gap between a player turning up and a player feeling they belong.
A child can attend every session, join in with the warm-up and play on Saturday without feeling comfortable enough to tell someone what’s happening.
As a coach, I think that’s something worth holding in mind. We see part of their week. We don’t necessarily see the messages afterwards, the journey home or the worry before the next session.
This year’s theme was shaped by children and young people, including their experiences of the barriers to asking for help. The Anti-Bullying Alliance has also produced resources for parents, carers and youth settings.
For those of us around grassroots football, perhaps the question is: would this player feel able to start a difficult conversation with someone here?
If your club is sharing something with families next week, this is wording you could adapt:
Football should be somewhere you feel you belong. If something happening at training, on matchday or online is upsetting you, you can speak to our club welfare officer or a trusted adult. You don’t need to have the perfect words. Parents and carers can raise concerns too.
Our club welfare contact is: [name and contact details].
That’s suggested wording from FMHA, alongside your club’s existing safeguarding and reporting procedures.
Sometimes the first conversation is untidy. A few words after training. A parent hanging back. Something mentioned halfway through talking about something else.
It still deserves to be heard.
Original source: Anti-Bullying Alliance: Anti-Bullying Week 2026, “Break the Silence”
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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 and/or seek appropriate services in your area.
