Football’s role in sparking conversations about mental wellbeing
Opinion
A football-inspired community is seeking to dismantle the stigma around vulnerability for men and foster a sense of belonging that can lead to open conversations.
After a couple of life events in 2022 that really opened up my eyes on the importance of mental health, I wanted to set up a community to help make these conversations easier and help the average lad — and so Bubb was born.
Bubb (Brothers United by Bravery) is about lads having conversations that otherwise might be considered difficult, building a safe space that helps these topics be discussed where otherwise they might be bottled up.
One thing that has remained a constant in my life is football, and although it’s considered a “laddish” environment, it’s often the friendships created through following the same team that lead to much deeper conversations.
The football community stands out as an unexpected yet powerful ally in fostering open conversations about emotional wellbeing.
A sense of belonging
The beautiful game has an unparalleled ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s playing in a local league, supporting a team or engaging in spirited debates about the latest matches, football fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
This feeling is particularly strong among men, who might otherwise struggle to find common interests or social circles.
For many men, that 90 minutes when they watch a game, be it in the stands or down the pub, is a safe space. It’s a place where they can express joy, frustration and a range of emotions without judgement. This emotional expression, even if it’s primarily about sport, can serve as a release valve for the stresses and pressures of daily life.
Over time, these interactions build trust and rapport — essential ingredients for more profound conversations.
Dismantling the stigma
One of the significant barriers to discussing mental health among men is the stigma attached to vulnerability. Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage men from expressing their feelings or seeking help for mental-health issues.
Within the football community, this stigma can be gradually dismantled.
When footballers, both current pros and ex-professionals, speak out about their mental-health struggles, they send a powerful message.
Players including Dele Alli, Peter Crouch (pictured, below) and Thierry Henry have all openly discussed their battles with mental health, demonstrating that it’s not a sign of weakness but a part of being human. Their stories resonate deeply within the football community, encouraging others to reflect on their mental health and seek support if needed.
Bubb is designed to help carry these conversations on, create a safe space and spark conversation among brothers of the community — very much like the way football often sparks a conversation with strangers.
Getting involved
Over the last 18 months, I have spoken to several media companies across London and schools around the country to help promote the message of lads’ mental health, including The Times and Ogury.
Bubb’s community T-shirts and sweatshirts help gain awareness and raise money for Campaign Against Living Miserably. In addition, the organisation has hosted run clubs across London to help people connect through movement and improve both their physical and mental health.
You can join the community via @Bubb_BrothersUnitedByBravery on Instagram to keep up to date with the next meet-ups and view weekly advice. It’s a place for lads to chat, share advice and meet up in person, making those difficult conversations a little easier.
If you would like Bubb to come and talk to your organisation, you can contact me via email.
Matt Bubb is founder of Bubb and media account manager at Focus
