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Mental Health Articles and Infographics

Articles and Infographics around the many facets of mental health. Each Article can also be consumed via Audio. We aim to provide all this information in a manner that is suitable for all learning styles.

Our mental articles and infographics for grassroots football cover a wide range of topics, each accompanied by an audio version. This approach ensures that everyone can consume the information in a way that best suits their learning style.

The use of infographics provides visual learners with an enhanced understanding of complex information, while the audio version benefits those who prefer auditory learning. Meanwhile, the written version benefits those who prefer reading.

By providing multiple options for information delivery, we aim to make our resources more accessible, engaging, and effective for everyone.

Your Safeguarding Doesn’t Stop at the Final Whistle

Imagine this. An under-13 player becomes quieter at training. Nothing obvious has happened on the pitch, but a club-related group chat has filled with jokes about body shape and a…

When the Game Stops Feeling Safe

A parent voice article about emotional safety, adult behaviour and what clubs need to understand about safeguarding beyond physical harm. Editor’s note: This article is based on a real parent…

Coach Wellbeing in Grassroots Football

“That’s Football” Isn’t a Welfare Policy: Who Supports the Coaches? A parent/carer/guardian (PCG) steps forward because the team needs someone. Just temporary, they say. A few weeks. Then the weeks…

Building Team Resilience and Recognising Mental Health Warning Signs

As a grassroots football coach, you’re in a unique position to influence not just players’ technical development, but their mental health and wellbeing. Players often spend more time with you…

Taming Pre-Match Nerves

Every footballer knows the feeling. Your stomach churns as you lace up your boots. Your heart pounds as you walk onto the pitch. Whether you’re eight or eighty, playing in…

Match Day Mental Health

From pressure to performance: Match day brings a unique energy to grassroots football. The anticipation, excitement, and yes – the pressure- can create a perfect storm of emotions for players,…

How Pressure Affects Coaches’ Mental Health

In grassroots football, there’s a paradox that can affect coaches’ mental health. The coaches who follow best practices, i.e. those focusing on player development, long-term growth and enjoyment over immediate…

Ask, don’t tell: A different approach to coaching young players with ADHD

Understanding ADHD in Grassroots Football Coaching all young players in grassroots football requires patience, adaptability and an understanding of how different children learn and respond to instructions. This is especially…

Techniques for Coaching Children and Young People with ADHD

Guest post by The Vault Ambassador Tasha Walsh (Accred.MBACP & Supervisor) In the vibrant and dynamic world of grassroots football, coaching children and young people (CYP) with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)…

How coaches can support their players to manage worry

ENCOURAGE Encourage them to talk openly and honestly about their concerns, fears, and worries. IDENTIFY Help them to identify the source of their worry and develop strategies to address it.…

How to teach players to challenge their negative thoughts

As a grassroots football coach, your role extends beyond teaching technical skills and tactics; it also involves supporting your players’ mental well-being. One significant aspect of mental well-being is addressing…

More ways to help your players become more confident

Developing confident grassroots footballers requires a thoughtful and methodical approach, starting with setting achievable goals. By establishing realistic objectives, coaches can inspire motivation, create a sense of accomplishment, and instil…

Setting achievable goals for developing confident grassroots footballers

SMART goals are a widely used framework for setting clear, achievable, and effective objectives. In the context of a grassroots footballer, SMART goals can help players and coaches create a…

6 steps to developing confident grassroots footballers

Developing confident grassroots footballers is essential for nurturing their talents, creating a love for the sport, and laying the foundation for long-term success. A confident player is more likely to…

Possible signs of anxiety in players

How can a football coach spot signs of anxiety in their players? A football coach can spot signs of anxiety in their players by paying attention to changes in their…

5 ways to increase self-confidence in grassroots footballers

Instilling confidence in grassroots footballers is key to positively affecting their mental health. When players feel confident on the pitch, they may experience a range of positive emotions such as…

How to regularly monitor your players’ mental health

Regularly monitoring and addressing the mental health of players in grassroots football is vital for their overall well-being, performance, and long-term success. By doing so, coaches can help create an…

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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 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.