Coaches and volunteers from Warrenpoint Town FC took part in an online version of the Irish FA’s mental health awareness workshop, Ahead of the Game, on Thursday evening.
Last night's webinar was delivered by Gavin Nelson, Club and Community Development Officer at the Irish FA Foundation, Joe Donnelly from TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues) and Kenny Greenhill an Irish FA Grassroots Leader.
The interactive workshop, which is supported by UEFA’s HatTrick programme and sponsored by City Auction Group, provides participants with information on how to promote positive mental health, challenging the stigma and focusing on preventative measures. And as lockdown continues the issue of good mental health is more important than ever.
The workshop features video messages from former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie, clubs and volunteers in Northern Ireland discussing mental health.
'Mental health and wellbeing are very important to us as a club and it was fantastic to get more support and information about this issue. This is a wonderful resource being delivered by the Irish FA and I would recommend it to any club'
And as part of the programme the Irish FA Foundation and Sports Chaplaincy UK are working in partnership to support mental health throughout Northern Ireland.
Aoife Downey, General Manager, Warrenpoint Town Football Club said: “The webinar has started a very important conversation at the club among the coaches. Mental health and wellbeing are very important to us as a club and it was fantastic to get more support and information about this issue. This is a wonderful resource being delivered by the Irish FA and I would recommend it to any club.
“Joe, Kenny and Gavin were great, and we are looking forward to working with them in the future and to build on our existing foundations, with a holistic approach to football and our club.”
Michael Tomalin, CEO City Auction Group, which has a key focus on innovative social responsibility, said: “In challenging times we continue to reinvest back into what is simply a crucial cause to help all the people that need something extra special right now.”
For more information on Ahead of the Game, please contact our Club and Community Development Officer Gavin Nelson by email: gavin.nelson@irishfa.com
