Sports organisations including Premier league join forces for men’s mental health week

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Leading sports organisations including the Premier league are set to come together to boost men’s mental health .

In a new drive led by the Government, the week of action aims to tackle the male loneliness crisis , promote social connection, and highlight support for men’s mental health. In England, one in four boys and young men aged 11-16 say they feel lonely sometimes, often or always. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in men under the age of 50.

The government’s drive is called Team Up - a week-long campaign set to run from January 26 to February 1 2026 across the UK. Ministers are deeply concerned that without positive spaces, young men are vulnerable to isolation, poor mental health, and bad influences found online.

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The Premier League , EFL, Rugby Football Union, England & Wales Cricket Board and Movember are all expected to support the campaign. Ahead of the campaign launch, the Government is encouraging elite clubs, grassroots teams, professional athletes, amateurs and fans alike to get involved.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Too many boys and young men in this country are struggling. The picture we’re getting is that they don’t feel like they have the places to go or the right people to talk to so they can get the help and support they need..

“Many are also getting dragged into dark places online, being served up a slew of content reinforcing restrictive ideas about masculinity that can have devastating consequences.

“But sport has a unique power to help us tackle this and make a real difference. It can help young men build positive connections with others in real life, build camaraderie, confidence and self-belief. The ‘Team Up’ campaign will land the simple message that everyone deserves a team behind them and be supported to take on life’s challenges.”