Simon Church, a retired professional footballer, discussed the mental health challenges he faced during his career, noting a culture that discouraged openness. He expressed gratitude for the increasing support available today. In collaboration with the mental health charity Beder, Reading FC made strides to raise awareness by featuring the charity as a shirt sponsor. Beder's founder, Razzak Mirjan, shared his personal story of loss and the motivation behind the charity’s mission to foster important conversations about mental health in football communities.
As a footballer... I felt like I had to just get on with it, push it under the carpet.
There was plenty of times where I've come off the pitch, I can't help myself but I'll have a look at the comments; it kills your confidence.
Nowadays you feel like you can speak a bit more... there's a lot more support.
Football is an amazing way to raise awareness and bring people together.
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